Victorian Liberal leader Michael O’Brien has called on MPs and party members to support a post-pandemic shift to the “middle ground” ahead of next year’s state election.

Mr O’Brien has faced constant leadership speculation during the pandemic, with frustration boiling over last week when Mr Andrews suspended parliament, shut playgrounds, introduced a 9pm curfew, extended lockdown across the state and shut childcare for all but permitted workers. Some state Coalition members felt Mr O’Brien’s response was too weak.