James Campbell: Divided Liberal Party just one big mess
Some Liberals swear blind John Pesutto has lost the numbers in the partyroom, while others say it all depends on who’s challenging him. The only thing everyone can agree on right now is the party is a giant mess.
James Campbell
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The only thing anyone agrees about in the Liberal Party at the moment is that things are a big mess.
Federal MPs desperate for John Pesutto to disappear say it needs to happen now because they’re scared what an ongoing fight in the state party will do to Peter Dutton’s prospects in a state he needs to do well in.
On the other hand state MPs say to protect Dutton’s interests the leadership question must be parked until after the federal election.
Some Liberals swear blind Pesutto has lost the numbers in the partyroom.
Others say that all depends on who is challenging him.
The Pesutto forces say Groth’s resignation shows he’s an impetuous know-nothing and has blown himself up permanently.
Pesutto’s critics say Groth is a man of integrity who has jumped because he’s offended by the way the leader has ignored the judge’s findings against him.;
Others think the world will quickly move on from the fiasco.
Some Liberals think holding out a begging bowl to raise the millions in legal fees, costs and damages he now owes makes his leadership untenable.
Others say it shouldn’t be a problem raising the money.
Some MPs say leadership aspirant Brad Battin is champing at the bit to challenge the leader while others say he’s reluctant at best.
Some want the former leader Michael O’Brien to come back even though he’s made it clear he isn’t interested.
Some say Liberal Party members are overwhelmingly keen for Pesutto to go.
Others say it never comes up in conversation.
Some state MPs want Moira Deeming re-admitted to the ranks of the partyroom if Pesutto goes.
Others think it doesn’t matter who the leader is — there’s no majority to let her back in.
Most people say things can’t go on like this. Others say “”oh yes it can”.
Meanwhile the state budget deficit keeps getting worse, taxes keep rising and the state’s credit rating hangs in the balance.
Originally published as James Campbell: Divided Liberal Party just one big mess
Campbell: John Pesutto is finished as Liberal leader
If a screenwriter had sat in a room for a week trying to think of the worst possible scenario for John Pesutto, they’d have struggled to come up with a fiasco bigger than this.
Campbell: Can Liberals keep it together enough to capitalise?
The state’s finances are a basketcase and Labor is labouring under the leadership of an unelected premier, but it seems things are just as messy on the other side of politics.