‘Nervous’ Libs in new leadership spill plot

“Deep divisions” within Victorian Liberal Party, caused by a failed leadership spill, haven’t healed with pressure mounting for a new challenge.

Michael O'Brien became the leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, with Cindy McLeish his deputy, after the party lost the 2018 state election. Pictute: David Crosling

Opposition leader Michael O’Brien could face another challenge to his leadership with pressure mounting over his party’s recent performance.

Liberal Party sources have told the Herald Sun external pressure was building for a major parliamentary shake-up but dismissed suggestions of an imminent challenge.

But they said heads were being counted to determine whether a challenge would be successful.

One MP confirmed “people are talking” but said Mr O’Brien still enjoyed a majority of support inside the party room.

Another said MPs had been inundated by industry leaders, small business owners and branch members angry at the opposition’s recent performance.

“The closer we get to the 2022 the more people are getting nervous about the prospect of an election campaign.”

It is understood frustrations have grown over the party’s ongoing inability to land a blow on the government despite Daniel Andrews being off work since March.

Concerns have also been raised about the opposition leader’s private office with a review ordered into how it was being managed.

And many MPs were left angered by the timing and nature of media release approved by Mr O’Brien’s office this week which demanded the Premier answer a list of questions about his fall after rumours flared at the weekend about the true nature of the incident.

Labor MPs reacted furiously to any suggestion of a cover-up.

Sources say a party room split remains the biggest hurdle stopping any challenge.

Deep divisions were driven through the party in March after leadership hopeful Brad Battin called a vote to spill the leadership position.

Another challenge is finding a replacement.

Former leader Matthew Guy has repeatedly ruled out any interest in the job.

Mr Guy, who suffered an election loss in 2018, has repeatedly told colleagues he does not want to reclaim the top job.

Mr Battin and backers Ryan Smith and Nick Wakeling all resigned sparking a significant reshuffle of the shadow cabinet following the move.

The leadership challenge never took hold with just nine of the party’s 31 MPs voting in favour of a spill motion.

The failed bid was later described as “politically stupid” by former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett.

The move to topple Mr O’Brien, who has faced intense scrutiny over his performance since taking over from Mr Guy in 2018, rocked the party.

To bring on a successful spill motion any challenger would need to be assured of support of at least 16 MPs.

A spokesman for Mr O’Brien ruled out any notion of a future challenge.

“We completely reject the accuracy of this claim,” he said.