Brad Battin facing internal party revolt after backing deal to save John Pesutto

Opposition Leader Brad Battin is facing an uphill battle to win back support from fuming key backers who say they were betrayed by his efforts to save John Pesutto.

Opposition Leader Brad Battin is facing an internal party room revolt from key backers who say they were betrayed by his efforts to save John Pesutto.

Mr Pesutto was thrown a $1.55m lifeline on Thursday night with the Liberal Party’s administrative committee agreeing to loan him the money needed to repay his $2.3m debt to Moira Deeming.

Mr Battin later admitted he had voted to back the plan in a move conservative MPs inside his party room – who helped secure his leadership – branded a “betrayal”.

“He betrayed the group who put him there who only wanted him to do the easy moral and legally justifiable thing,” one MP said.

Mr Battin used the support of conservative MPs to launch a successful leadership coup in the days after Christmas.

But senior MPs said there were now concerns some of those same MPs could continue to threaten party room unity unless he could quickly regalvanise their support.

Mr Battin is facing an internal party revolting after backing a deal to save John Pesutto. Picture: Aaron Francis

They have been left angry by Mr Battin’s backing of the Pesutto deal which they said took the side of an MP found guilty of wrongdoing by a court over a victim.

Sources said a majority of MPs had welcomed the deal and hoped it would bring peace internally.

“Those unhappy with the deal are small in number it seems,” one source said.

Mr Battin fielded calls from colleagues on Friday but refused to say whether he had received any angry criticism.

It is understood he will seek to meet with each MP in coming days and is considering a significant shadow cabinet reshuffle.

Mrs Deeming on Thursday night likened her treatment by the Liberal Party to that of a victim of institutional abuse.

Mr Battin refused to be drawn on the claim.

Mrs Deeming on Thursday night likened her treatment by the Liberal Party to that of a victim of institutional abuse. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Mrs Deeming said she was “delighted” her millionaire backer would be repaid.

NSW property developer Hilton Grugeon bankrolled Mrs Deeming’s defamation case against Mr Pesutto, who owes her $2.3m in legal costs which will be repaid to Mr Grugeon.

Mrs Deeming last week attempted to negotiate a last-minute plan to settle the matter and effectively loan Mr Pesutto more than $1m by extending by several years his deadline to clear the debt.

It is understood Mr Pesutto offered to pay Mrs Deeming $1.2m – $1.1m less than she is owed – to finally settle the matter.

“My understanding was that senior Liberal MPs and members of admin supported the original five point peace plan and Mr Pesutto himself accepted those terms (including my guaranteed preselection) — in exchange for my agreement to pay over $1m of his debt,” she said.

“I said no (to the counter offer). However, I made it clear on Sunday to those same senior Liberals, that I was genuine in my intentions and that if Mr Pesutto needed extended financial terms, so long as the loan was guaranteed by private individuals, I’d have approved it.

“So to find that Mr Pesutto instead arranged a loan from the Party, using Party money, on almost exactly the same financial terms that I’d offered, was a shock.

“Nevertheless, I am delighted that Mr Grugeon will be reimbursed for his generous loan which ultimately saved my family.

“Without that loan, I’d have been bankrupted as a declared Nazi sympathiser and my life would have been over.

“I am grateful to all who supported me and look forward to concentrating my efforts on fighting just as hard for the rights of all Victorians.”

Mr Pesutto will be able to remain in parliament. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Mr Battin said standing by Mr Pesutto meant the party could focus on next year’s election.

“This decision was not about personalities or past disputes – it was about protecting the interests of the people we serve and ensuring our Party can continue its important work,” he said.

“The loan arrangement ensures the Party avoids further financial and reputational damage, allows us to put this matter behind us, and refocuses our efforts where they belong – holding Australia’s worst government to account and building a stronger, fairer future for Victoria.

“Throughout this process, I have acted in accordance with the rules, maintained my impartiality, and ensured the confidentiality, welfare, and dignity of my colleagues.

“With this matter resolved, our focus is firmly on the future. United, disciplined and determined, we are focused on earning the trust of Victorians and winning government in 2026.”

Originally published as Brad Battin facing internal party revolt after backing deal to save John Pesutto