Can Battin’s team of convenience lead Libs into 2026 election?

Even to the casual observer it’s clear Brad Battin has built a coalition on shaky ground and in the Liberal Party the tables can turn quickly in the top job. So his task now is to unite his team if he wants to lead the party into the next election.

Is this the team that will lead the Liberal Party into the 2026 election?

That’s the burning question on everyone’s lips after Friday’s leadership change.

After all, even though Brad Battin emerged as the victor, it was far from a thumping win.

As we all know the Liberals change leaders more often than some of us change our shoes and currently, 10 per cent of the party consists of former leaders who are now watching on with the knowledge that the tables can turn quickly in the top job.

Their presence serves as a warning to Mr Battin, if history is any guide, even the slightest misstep will likely see him punted

Even though Brad Battin emerged as the victor, it was far from a thumping win. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

His role will be made all the harder by the fact that he has secured his leadership with a team of convenience rather than a team of conviction.

Former tennis star Sam Groth is Battin’s right-hand man and was elected unopposed as the deputy leader.

But, don’t forget this is a man who only in July publicly stated he wanted to be leader in the future.

He’s also the one that executed the very public blow to leader John Pesutto when he resigned from the front bench.

David Davis is a former Pesutto supporter and shown to be a man who will be transactional when push comes to shove. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Also, in Mr Battin’s team is upper house veteran David Davis, a former Pesutto supporter and shown to be a man that will be transactional when push comes to shove.

Evan Mulholland will continue as the deputy leader in the upper house, which is the only contested position won by the moderates during the spill.

Even to the casual observer, it’s clear that Mr Battin has built a coalition on shaky ground.

Additionally, all four members of the new leadership team are men, which could pose a huge issue for many voters, especially since Labor has multiple women in its leadership ranks.

In July, Brad Battin publicly stated he wanted to be leader in the future. Picture: Getty Images

There’s also the matter of a looming potential shadow cabinet reshuffle.

Rumour has it that Mr Battin will likely favour his main backer, Bev McArthur, and punish Jess Wilson and shadow health minster Georgie Crozier for not supporting him, which could mean competent members are stripped from the shadow cabinet.

It’s definitely all still up in the air, but what is clear for now is Mr Battin is in the hot seat.

He must unite his team and keep public approval ratings ahead of the 2026 election, or he may find himself the next leader tossed on to the rubbish heap.

Originally published as Can Battin’s team of convenience lead Libs into 2026 election?