The Victorian Liberal Party faces escalating internal unrest following the ousting of opposition leader John Pesutto, with senior MP Brad Battin declaring that “the pain is only just beginning” for the embattled party.
Battin, a frontbench MP who unsuccessfully contested the leadership against Pesutto in 2022, issued the warning in the aftermath of Pesutto’s removal through a party-room vote earlier this week. The leadership change follows months of turmoil stemming from Pesutto’s failed attempt to expel controversial MP Moira Deeming over her links to anti-trans activists.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Battin did not rule out making another bid for leadership. “Right now, we’re not at the end. We’re at the beginning of what I think will be a very painful process for the Liberal Party,” he said, highlighting ongoing factional divisions and a lack of cohesive strategy within the opposition ranks.
The leadership vacuum comes as the party struggles to rebuild after its poor showing in the 2022 state election, where it suffered heavy losses to Premier Daniel Andrews’ Labor government. The fallout from the Deeming saga further fractured internal relations, prompting public infighting and criticism from party veterans.
Newly elected leader Georgie Crozier has urged party unity and pledged to refocus efforts on holding the Labor government to account. In her first statements as leader, Crozier acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence that the party could recover and present a viable alternative to voters by the next state election.
However, Battin questioned whether a change in leadership alone could address the party’s deeper structural issues. “Leadership is important, but unless we fix the culture of the party and reconnect with the community, we’ll be in the same position come the next election,” he warned.
Political analysts suggest that the Victorian Liberal Party is facing a critical juncture. With public trust diminished and internal disputes dominating headlines, the party’s ability to reset its image and unify under Crozier’s leadership remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, former party leaders have called for calm and urged members to avoid public airing of disputes. Jeff Kennett, a past premier of Victoria and influential Liberal figure, stated that the party must “cease the public brawling and concentrate on policy.”
Grassroots members have also voiced concern over the direction of the party. Some have called for a broader policy overhaul and more inclusive candidate selection processes to rebuild trust with the electorate.
As the Liberal Party navigates this turbulent period, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether it can stabilise and prepare for the next electoral battle, or continue to spiral into further disarray.
Source; The Guardian
