Brad Battin voted new Victorian Liberal leader as John Pesutto ousted

·

Shadow Police Minister Brad Battin has been elected as the new leader of the Victorian Liberals, ousting John Pesutto in a tense leadership contest on Friday morning.

The leadership spill was sparked by growing internal tensions, including the fallout from the failed readmission vote of exiled MP Moira Deeming and her recent legal victory against Pesutto in a defamation case.

Brad Battin praised Pesutto’s dedication to the party, acknowledging his years of service, but emphasised the need for unity and a renewed focus on addressing issues such as the cost-of-living crisis and rising crime in Victoria.

Shadow Police Minister Brad Battin has successfully seized the leadership of the Victorian Liberals from John Pesutto during a dramatic party-room showdown on Friday morning. Picture: David Crosling
John Pesutto arriving at the party-room showdown on Friday morning. Photo: David Crosling.

Former tennis player Sam Groth has been named as deputy leader, further shaping the party’s new leadership team.

Pesutto, who arrived solo for the vote, expressed his commitment to the Liberal Party, stating he remains a “servant” of his colleagues. Despite recent turbulence, he emphasised the party’s goal to win the next election.

The leadership showdown, which involved multiple candidates, followed a period of heightened internal divisions and discontent over Pesutto’s handling of key issues within the party.

Source: Sky News

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Greece, Israel and Cyprus affirm alliance based on shared values

The foreign ministers of Cyprus, Greece and Israel have affirmed in Jerusalem their countries’ close ties, based on shared values.

Greek Consul General in Melbourne honoured by Elderly Citizens Federation

On Thursday, the Federation of Elderly Citizens’ Clubs of Melbourne and Victoria hosted a farewell luncheon for Emmanuel Kakavelakis.

Maria Skyllas-Kazacos: One of Australia’s first female professors in chemical engineering

The Greek Herald interviews Maria Skyllas-Kazacos, who is one of Australia’s first female professors in chemical engineering.