Brad Battin has unveiled his new shadow cabinet

New Liberal Leader Brad Battin’s biggest supporters have been rewarded in a reset of the opposition front bench. See the list of winners and losers.

Toppled Liberal leader John Pesutto won’t appear in Brad Battin’s new-look shadow cabinet and instead will take a seat on the back bench.

Mr Battin, the newly-minted Opposition Leader, will on Tuesday announce the team he intends to take to the 2026 state election.

Brad Battin took over as leader on December 27. Picture: David Crosling

The Herald Sun understands his deputy, Sam Groth, will pick up the title of shadow special minister of state.

Mr Groth will also retain the portfolios of Sport, Tourism and Major events, with the addition of outdoor recreation.

As previously reported by the Herald Sun, Brighton MP James Newbury will become the state’s shadow Treasurer.

James Newbury will be shadow Treasurer. Picture: Nadir Kinani

Evelyn MP Bridget Vallence is set to take over Mr Newbury’s role as the new manager of opposition business in the parliament, while also snagging the finance portfolio from Jess Wilson, who late last year unsuccessfully challenged against Mr Battin for leader.

Ms Wilson, who is widely viewed as one of the party’s rising stars and strongest performers, is understood to be keeping her education portfolio. She will also pick up a new economic responsibility aimed at bringing investment into the state.

Georgie Crozier, who has served as shadow health minister for the past six years and is a former nurse and midwife, will retain her role.

Former leader John Pesutto won’t be on the opposition front bench. Picture: Ian Currie

It’s understood David Southwick – previously deputy leader under Mr Pesutto and the spokesman for transport infrastructure – will be demoted to shadow police and corrections minister, which were formerly held by Mr Battin.

Outspoken MP Bev McArthur, who was crucial to Mr Battin’s leadership challenge, is set to enter shadow cabinet in the role of local government.

Sources close to Mr Battin said the cabinet reshuffle aimed to put forward a “united and motivated team”.

On Monday night, Mr Battin told the Herald Sun: “After 10 years of Labor mismanagement the Coalition will offer a fresh start and an alternative government to Victorians.”

It comes just over a week after Liberal MPs voted to roll Mr Pesutto in an intensifying war in the wake of his high-profile defamation battle loss to formerly exiled Liberal MP Moira Deeming.

Mrs Deeming, who Mr Pesutto froze out from the Liberal Party room after accusing her of supporting neo-Nazis, was readmitted on that same day.

Liberal MPs Chris Crewther and Ms Wilson had also thrown their hat into the leadership ring but emerged unsuccessful.