Liberal MPs dismiss speculation of challenge against Michael O’Brien

In the wake of damning polling, Liberal MPs dismissed speculation of challenge against party leader Michael O’Brien - but not everyone is convinced.

Victorian Liberal leader Party Michael O'Brien. Picture: David Caird

Liberal MPs have dismissed speculation of another challenge against embattled opposition leader Michael O’Brien in the wake of damning polling that cast new doubt over his future.

Questions were raised about Mr O’Brien’s prospects after polling found one in five Victorians didn’t know who he was, while a vast majority wanted to see former leader Matthew Guy back in the job.

Mr O’Brien refused to comment on the polls on Monday.

But leader of the opposition in the upper house David Davis dismissed suggestions the poll could spark a fresh leadership challenge.

“I think the key thing that the poll shows is that the government’s support has fallen very significantly,” he said.

“I think the key message out of (the polls), is that we’re quite competitive and can win this election.”

Overall Labor’s primary vote has fallen to 37 per cent, down from 42.8 at the last election, while the Coalition’s jumped from 35.2 per cent to 41 per cent.

The two party preferred vote also narrowed with Labor falling to 52.4 per cent and the Coalition improving to 47.6 per cent.

Frontbencher Tim Smith also told ABC radio he didn’t anticiapte an imminent challenge.

A senior Liberal source said in light of the polls there was no silverbullet argument for leadership change.

“The swing we’re seeing could put enough seats into play that would mean the Libs could still win next year,” they said.

“The coalition’s job now is to prove they’re ready. They haven’t done that yet. They haven’t even tried.

“Nothing in the polls suggests Matthew Guy could change the voting prospects.”

Some Victorians want Matthew Guy back as Liberal leader

MPs were split over what the polls meant, with some praising Mr O’Brien for lifting the primary vote, but others slamming him for failing to cut through.

Sky News host Peta Credlin, who has been sounded out about a potential stint at Spring St, said a move against Mr O’Brien was inevitable.

“With poor polls, a big margin to make up and a looming redistribution - they will move on Michael O’Brien,” she said.

“He still has the potential to make a solid contribution as a frontbencher, so needs to be treated with dignity, but a leader who can’t move votes against an absent premier and an incompetent government isn’t the answer, and the hardheads know it.”

RedBridge director Kos Samaras, who conducted the poll, also tipped Mr Guy would return to the top job ahead of the election.

“He is easily the most recognisable Liberal in Victoria. I would argue more Victorians could identify him than Jeff Kennett,” he said.

“His caucus knows that and they will eventually opt for his leadership to help them tackle next year’s state election.”

Sources say Mr O’Brien retains about a third of committed support inside the party room.

The remaining MPs are split with deep divisions caused by a failed leadership challenge by Brad Battin in March.

But one senior source said the polling could be the first step in repairing the divide.