Former Vic Liberal Party president Greg Mirabella beaten in Senate preselection ticket

Former Victorian Liberal Party president Greg Mirabella has been dramatically beaten in a preselection battle for the third spot on the party’s Senate ticket.

Greg Mirabella. Picture: Arsineh Houspian

Former Victorian Liberal Party president Greg Mirabella has narrowly lost a preselection battle for the party’s third Senate ticket spot, ending his chance of making a comeback at the next federal poll.

Small businessman Kyle Hoppitt secured his place on the Liberal ticket on Sunday, claiming a surprise victory over Mr Mirabella, businesswoman Karyn Sobels and snake catcher Jarrod Bingham.

Senator James Paterson will top the Liberals’ Senate ticket at the election, with Senator Jane Hume in second spot.

Mr Hoppitt is understood to have clinched the hard-fought win with 187 votes to 173 - after Ms Sobels votes were nearly split in half when she was knocked out in the second ballot.

An army reservist and conservative Christian, Mr Hoppitt missed out on the third spot at the 2019 federal election after being beaten by banished Liberal David Van.

Some Liberal sources believe the third position is winnable, while others said Mr Hoppitt has a 50-50 chance.

Mr Mirabella, who was a senator for just six months after replacing Scott Ryan in December 2021, had been the frontrunner for Senator Van’s spot.

In September, he stepped down as president to run for Senate preselection.

Insiders said Mr Hoppitt performed well in the room on Sunday.