Liberal MPs unload on Michael Kroger, pledge support to Peter Reith

SENIOR federal Liberal MPs have unloaded on their Victorian party president Michael Kroger and pledged support to Peter Reith’s in his efforts to oust him next month.

Senior federal Liberal MPs have unloaded on Michael KrogerPicture Yuri Kouzmin

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SENIOR federal Liberal MPs have unloaded on their Victorian party president Michael Kroger and pledged support to Peter Reith’s in his efforts to oust him next month.

Despite the threat of expulsion from the party, two federal Cabinet ministers and a handful of backbenchers say the party is divided by allegations of branchstacking.

The issue has split the federal wing of the party with federal ministers Greg Hunt, Josh Frydenberg, Michael Sukkar and Alan Tudge all strongly backing Mr Kroger to stay in the role.

Peter Reith. Picture: Kym Smith

One senior Liberal, close to Mr Kroger, said it was a “blatant grab from supporters of Malcolm Turnbull to grab power.”

Federal Finance and Revenue Minister Kelly O’Dwyer told the Herald Sun today: “The membership have told me they are sick of the branch stacking and want it to end.

“Peter Reith has said he will fix this so that the party can unite behind State Leader Matthew Guy and defeat the Andrews Government in 2018,” she said.

The Victorian Liberals have been by plagued allegations of “branchstacking” in the past two year — including examples of entire church congregations being signed up as members — including some without their knowledge.

One MP said: “If Michael Kroger would just cut them off there would be more good will towards him.”

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield said it was imported to unite the party and give Mr Guy the best chance of winning the next election.

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield. Picture: AAP/Lukas Coch

He said Mr Reith was the person to “bring the party and its supporters together” and ensure “laser like focus” on defeating Daniel Andrews.

Scott Ryan, the Special Minister for State, said the party was in need of someone who “brings members together”.

“Peter Reith is a party icon who is committed to rebuilding relationships with key supporters and supporting Matthew Guy to win the next election.”

Backbencher Julia Banks has also put her support for Mr Reith on the record, who she described as “very respectful”.

Ms Banks’ victory in Chisholm, winning the eastern suburbs seat off Labor at the last federal election, was critical to Malcolm Turnbull forming government.

Backbencher Julia Banks has put her support for Peter Reith on the record. Picture: Kym Smith

“The experience and advice of federal MPs such as Kelly (O’Dywer), Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and my core group of volunteers was the reason we won Chisholm and Peter will bring that experience to the presidency,” she said.

Senator James Paterson said a “harmonious working relationship between the organisational and parliamentary wings of the party” was crucial to future success and state and federal levels. He said while branch members “should and will make their own minds up”, he would vote for Mr Reith to give the party the best chance of making Matthew Guy the next Victorian Premier.

Supporters of Mr Kroger, including MP Sarah Henderson, would not comment on the race citing party rules.

But one said: “Membership is a matter for the branches, not for the president ... this is just a ruse to grab power.”

Staunch Kroger supporter Michael Sukkar said Mr Reith’s nomination had caused “destructive internal division” and he should withdraw.

“The election of President is not for MPs to decide,” Mr Sukkar told the Herald Sun.

“This is a matter for our members, and it’s clear that our branch members overwhelmingly support Michael Kroger.”

Michael Sukkar says Peter Reith’s nomination had caused “destructive internal division”. Picture: AAP/Mick Tsikas

Humans Service Minister Alan Tudge said: “Under Michael Kroger’s leaders we got the best result of any state in Australia in the last election.”

Latrobe MP Jason Wood said: “I have nothing against Mr Reith, but Michael’s efforts with the federal result last year and uncovering the theft of $1.5 million from the party should be rewarded.”

Longtime MP for Menzies, Kevin Andrews said: “While the decision is for the delegates of the state council, I am supporting Mr Kroger.”

“Veteran MP Russell Broadbent would not declare his hand, saying: “I find the majority of the membership doesn’t like being told how to vote.”

Likewise MP Tim Wilson, who would only add: “This should be a clean campaign. I am deeply unhappy about the public attacks on Peter Reith.”

Federal Speaker Tony Smith and Veterans Affairs Minister Dan Tehan did not return calls.

Mr Kroger declined to comment today, citing party rules.

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