Libs take out third place in Mulgrave by-election, slammed for ‘celebrating’ grim result

Opposition Leader John Pesutto says there were still positives in the Mulgrave by-election — despite his party finishing third — while given some choice words about his leadership.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto says his leadership isn’t under threat after a grim Mulgrave by-election result. Picture: David Geraghty

Opposition Leader John Pesutto insists his leadership isn’t under threat despite the Liberal Party taking home a Bronze medal from the Mulgrave by-election.

The Victorian Electoral Commission on Monday night confirmed that after preferences had been distributed, high-profile independent candidate Ian Cook had officially finished in second position.

Mr Cook, the man at the centre of the long-running “Slug Gate” scandal, snagged 15,681 votes behind Labor’s Eden Foster, who received 20,363.

The Liberal Party’s candidate, Courtney Mann, picked up 7817 first preference votes, in front of Mr Cook who received 6780.

But once preferences had been distributed, Mr Mann ultimately fell short of the runner up position.

John Pesutto says there are positives to take from the Mulgrave by-election. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake

Mr Pesutto on Tuesday said he was proud of his party’s efforts and backed the decision to field a candidate.

“To be fair to my colleagues and I, we had 24 days with a candidate in the field, and we were able to secure solid swings to the Liberal Party and what we’ve also seen are massive swings against Jacinta Allan and her Labor government,” he said.

“What I’ve tried to do since becoming leader is show that under my leadership the Liberal Party will fight.

“We want to be the voice for all Victorians no matter where you live. We know we’ve got to do better in other seats.”

Mr Pesutto said the by-election wasn’t all negative for the Liberals because it resulted in swings of up to 16.5 per cent against Labor in some parts of Mulgrave.

“This was a safe Labor seat. It’s now a marginal Labor seat,” he said.

Asked if the result put his leadership under threat at all, Mr Pesutto hit back: “No”.

Eden Foster and Premier Jacinta Allan celebrate the Mulgrave by-election victory. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Premier Jacinta Allan avoided commentary on the Liberal Party. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

Premier Jacinta Allan said the result in Mulgrave was a “terrific” outcome.

“If others want to celebrate coming third, that’s up to them, we’re just pleased to welcome Eden Foster into the parliament,” she said.

“The question of the Liberal Party’s leadership is a matter for the divided Liberal Party party room.”

Senior government Minister Danny Pearson called the result an “epic fail” for the opposition, branding the Liberal Party an “an election losing machine”.

“It’s a complete and utter failure. Yet on the night he (Mr Pesutto) was claiming some great victory,” he said.

“This bloke was told not to run, but you know, John knows best. He’s taking the Liberal Party backwards in Victoria.

“Jeff Kennett would never have done this. I’m no fan of Jeff Kennett, but I tell you, on this he was right and John was wrong. Maybe if John listened to Jeff a bit more maybe you wouldn’t make these sorts of errors.”

Danny Pearson reckons Mr Pesutto should have listened to Mr Kennett. Picture: Asanka Ratnayake

Red Bridge pollster and former Labor strategist Kos Samaras last week predicted the Liberals would take third position, but Liberal MP James Newbury took to social media to rebuff that suggestion.

.@KosSamaras gets it wrong… again…
(The Australian, 18 Nov 2023) pic.twitter.com/Pjhwu38pd6

— James Newbury MP (@newbury3186) November 19, 2023

Mr Samaras on Monday night said the result came as little surprise, but said “it’s a grim day for democracy when a major party chucks a premature party that they avoided the bronze”.

“We now have a major party that calls it a good day when they avoid running third in a suburban by-election,” he said.

The Mulgrave by-election was sparked following the resignation of former Premier Daniel Andrews in September this year.