‘These things happen’: John Pesutto responds to turmoil within his party

Opposition leader John Pesutto has declared he is “confident” he has the support of his team as speculation grows over a potential leadership challenge.

Opposition leader John Pesutto spoke out on Monday after two of his most senior staffers quit. Picture: Ian Currie

Opposition leader John Pesutto has denied rumours his job is on the line, maintaining he is “confident” he will lead the party to the 2026 election.

Speaking for the first time since two of his most senior staffers – chief of staff Rodrigo Pintos-Lopez and media boss Nick Johnston – quit his office, Mr Pesutto said he had the backing of his party room.

“I have the support of my team,” he said.

“I’m confident that I will lead the party to the next election.”

John Pesutto says he is confident of remaining leader. Picture: Ian Currie

Outgoing media boss Nick Johnston.

Asked if he was sick of the constant speculation about his future as well as the infighting within his own party room, Mr Pesutto said: “You know I’m a fighter … These things happen in politics and you’ve just got to keep your eyes focused.”

“I’m focused on giving the Victorian people the good government they deserve and in the meantime we will be a strong and effective opposition,” he said.

Liberal frontbenchers Brad Battin and Sam Groth, who have both been touted as potential challengers for party leadership, insist they’re not planning to spill Mr Pesutto.

Heading into a shadow cabinet meeting on Monday, Mr Battin said he had faith in Mr Pesutto and was confident he will still be leader at the end of the year.

Brad Battin has been named as a potential challenger for the top job. Picture: Aaron Francis

Mr Groth also insisted he wouldn’t mount a challenge, but refused to discuss internal matters.

“No. There’s no plans for a change,” he said.

Sandringham MP Brad Rowswell, whose name has also been raised as a potential leadership chance, refused to answer questions about whether he harboured ambitions for the top job.

Instead he spoke of the record debt levels that taxpayers are paying down.

Kew MP Jess Wilson said she “absolutely” supported Mr Pesutto, as did former leaders Michael O’Brien and Matthew Guy.

Sam Groth insisted on Monday he wouldn’t mount a challenge for Liberal Party leadership. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Brighton MP James Newbury refused to answer questions, including whether he had faith in Mr Pesutto’s leadership.

Asked how long Mr Pesutto had left in the job, upper house MP Ann-Marie Hermans said: “I’m not going to comment on that.”

South West Coast MP Roma Britnell said she had bigger issues in her electorate to worry about than rumours about a leadership challenge.

In response to the major changes in Mr Pesutto’s office, Polwarth MP Richard Riordan said “renewal is always good”.

Mr Pesutto said he was “sorry” to see Mr Pintos-Lopez and Mr Johnston leave his office, and said it wasn’t a case of “rats leaving a sinking ship”.

Mr Pesutto said the pair weren’t fired or pushed out of the job.

“At the end of the day they make decisions about their future, as we all do,” he said.

“They know how warmly I regard them.”

Former Liberal MP Louise Staley, who failed to retain her seat at the 2022 election, will become Mr Pesutto’s chief of staff, while senior media adviser Alex Woff takes over as Director of Communications.

Asked if Ms Staley is “well liked” within the party, Mr Pesutto said: “Louise is not there to run a popularity contest, she’s there as chief of staff.”

“She’s tough, she’s smart, she’s a fighter, she’s a Liberal through and through,” he said.