Internal probe after state opposition partyroom meeting secretly recorded

Victorian opposition MPs were left enraged on Thursday morning after learning they had been covertly recorded by a colleague.

MP Bernie Finn. Picture: Sarah Matray

An internal investigation has been launched after a state opposition partyroom meeting was secretly recorded and leaked to media.

Opposition MPs were left enraged on Thursday morning after learning they had been covertly recorded by a colleague.

An investigation has been launched to try and trace the origin of the recording. The Herald Sun has been told the meeting involved deputy opposition members hurling abuse at each other.

A source told the Herald Sun that at the meeting shadow attorney-general Tim Smith and outspoken MP Bernie Finn exchange expletives with Mr Finn dubbing Mr Smith a “f---ing idiot”.

Victorian deputy opposition leader Peter Walsh. Picture: Sarah Matray

The source said in another exchange, deputy opposition leader Peter Walsh said equality spokesman James Newbury can “go and get f---ed” over his stance on gay conversion therapy.

The party room remains divided over the coalition’s stance on the government’s gay conversion therapy Bill.

While some MPs want amendments moved to the legislation, Mr Newbury has guaranteed no amendments would be moved.

“This is why we will never win government,” one senior Liberal source said.

“On the day we are getting out of lockdown, they are arguing like children about an issue most people don’t care about.

“They are still so divided. A large group still doesn’t want to see Matthew (Guy) win.”

Another source slammed the leak.

“Daniel Andrews is at his weakest point in God knows how long, and this is the opposition,” he said.

Furious Liberal MPs were this morning speculating about the source of the leak.

More to come