Brad Battin backs Michael O’Brien after failed leadership spill

In a stunning about-face, Brad Battin, who failed in an attempt to overthrow the Liberal Party leader now says Michael O’Brien has what it takes to be premier.

The MP who spectacularly failed to overthrow Victorian Liberal Party leader Michael O’Brien now says the current leader can lead the party to victory at next year’s state election.

In a stunning about-face Brad Battin, who attempted to sink the struggling O’Brien ship in a sudden coup on Tuesday, now says O’Brien has what it takes to become premier.

However, Mr Battin, in his first sit-down interview since losing a party room vote to spill the leadership, said he still harboured ambitions for the top job.

“I’m confident, with the team he’s got, that we can now refocus our energy, and if we refocus it in the right way, yes we can win in 2022 under Michael,” he said.

“Michael has that opportunity now.

“The leadership discussions are out of the way and now we’re at the stage where we should be focusing on what we have to do before 2022.

“I think Michael’s actually a very good person and I will be working with him in that respectful way to achieve our mutual goal.”

Brad Battin still harbours ambitions to become Liberal Party leader. Picture: Josie Hayden

Former leader Matthew Guy has ruled out challenging for the leadership, despite pressure from some within the party for him to reclaim the top job.

Senior Liberal sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said they still believed Mr Battin was the best placed to make needed change.

“Michael is perhaps less skilled than Brad at presenting an image, story and a message that cuts through to people,” a source said.

Another described Mr O’Brien as “awkward” but acknowledged that perception could be “fixed” with a bit of work.

“Dan was the same — he was awkward,” the source said.

“When Dan got in, we thought this bloke wasn’t electable. Haven’t we been proven wrong on that? Not only is he electable, he holds one of the biggest freaking margins the state’s had.

“When people say Michael has these traits, we need to find ways to improve them.”

Mr Battin said he originally put himself forward as a leadership option because of his connection with the booming Casey and Cardinia growth corridors in his Gembrook electorate.

“My offering was around the fact that I’ve come from a growth corridor and I think the

Liberal Party leader Michael O'Brien. Picture: David Crosling

Liberal Party brand has struggled through those areas … We need to work on getting our name out there,” he said.

“I believe I’m a good person with an exceptional community history.”

He said it would take some time to recover from the damage he inflicted on his  career.

In the wake of the failed coup, which lost 22-9, he and backers Ryan Smith and Nick Wakeling all resigned from the opposition frontbench.

“It hasn’t been easy. It’s tough. I acknowledge Michael wasn’t happy with the challenge, but nobody would be,” Mr Battin said.

“I’ve got to do a bit of rebuilding now. I went in with eyes wide open, I’m not silly to it but I’ll go back out and build that trust back.

“It’ll take time. Everything takes time, but time is a wonderful healer.

“I’m focused, I’m moving forward and I’m not here to disrupt.

“Now is the time to move on. I’ll go back and make sure I’m that good local member again and rebuild myself.”

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