Brad Battin Ousts John Pesutto to Lead Victorian Liberals

Leadership Battle Follows MP Moira Deeming’s Return to the Party

New Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin (2nd right) speaks too media alongside (L-R) Victorian Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Evan Mulholland, Victorian Shadow Treasurer David Davis and Victorian Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sport and Events Sam Groth following a Victorian Liberals Party Meeting at Parliament House in Melbourne on Dec. 27, 2024. AAP Image/Joel Carrett

Brad Battin has ousted John Pesutto as leader of the Victorian Liberal Party following a party room meeting that also marked the return of expelled MP Moira Deeming.

The meeting began on Dec. 27 morning with a vote to reinstate Deeming, who had been expelled after Pesutto led a campaign to remove her earlier in 2024.