The day of Brad Battin’s fall and Jess Wilson’s rise: Inside the Victorian Liberal leadership spill
Jess Wilson’s elevation to Opposition Leader has been lauded as a fresh start for the Victorian Liberals by some, but others say it’s more of the same from the splintered party.
Jess Wilson’s elevation to Opposition Leader has been heralded by supporters as a “new dawn” for the Victorian Liberals, but dissenters have bemoaned the revolving door at the top of their splintered party.
While Ms Wilson was largely expected to take the top job in a straight contest between her and Mr Battin, it was uncertain whether the initial spill motion would even pass.
Most MPs were tight-lipped as they walked into parliament on Tuesday morning – but a few key players tipped their hands.
Conservative kingmaker Bev McArthur, who took over as upper house Liberal leader, said: “I’m sure Jess will make a fantastic leader”.
“I’ve heard the message loud and clear, (Victorians) want the strongest possible opposition.”
Nick McGowan, one of the MPs who told Mr Battin it was time to go, said that he was “very confident” Ms Wilson would become leader.
As Liberal Party MPs filed into the Opposition party room ahead of the 8.30am meeting, more than a dozen reporters waited outside.
Key Wilson backer Brad Rowswell moved the initial spill motion, which was seconded by Mr McGowan, putting all leadership positions into play.
When the party moved to conduct a silent ballot, upper house leader David Davis was one of the five to confirm this, the results of which lost him his leadership position.
Liberal sources said the spill vote was 19-13.
Longtime Deputy Leader hopeful David Southwick narrowly lost out to current deputy Sam Groth in a vote of 17-15, a win that had Spring St insiders questioning how the tennis ace pulled it off.
Fingers were pointed towards Mr Groth’s high profile and his fundraising chops.
Mrs McArthur toppled David Davis as upper house leader with a vote of 19-13.
Insiders said Mr Battin showed “incredible character” as he addressed the party room, accepting his defeat with grace.
One MP told the Herald Sun: “(Brad) got up and spoke up the future.”
“The leader will get his support. It was the most gracious thing I have ever seen.”
“Incredible character.”
He told the media after losing his position: “The vote didn’t go my way.”
“As a very proud member of the Victorian Liberal Party, I stand continuously proud in the role that I’ve done, and the things that I’ve done for the community.”
The Liberal Party now has four former leaders in their ranks, Michael O’Brien, Matthew Guy, John Pesutto and Brad Battin.
Early in the morning Mr Pesutto expressed sympathy for Mr Battin, who had rolled him less than a year ago.
“These are challenging days for everybody,” he said.
“I think the process needs to be very respectful. And we will do that and we’ll come out with a decision.”
Ahead of the vote Matthew Guy ruled himself out of a third tilt at the leadership.
“18 years of marriage and my wife will get her wish today,” Mr Guy said.
“She said, don’t you come back Opposition Leader, and I won’t.”
Mr O’Brien did not say who he supported, instead saying: “These are difficult days for any leader, because I know, because I’ve been there myself.”
“The important thing is once we make a decision, we’re all completely united and focused on removing the worst government in Victoria’s history.”
After the vote Mr Rowswell, a longtime ally of Ms Wilson, said it was a “new dawn for the party”.
But some Liberal MPs expressed dissatisfaction with the high turnover in their party’s top job.
Ann-Marie Hermans was one of few to speak outside the party room and said: “I don’t like when we keep changing leaders.”
“I think it’s not useful.”
Liberal MP David Hodgett told the waiting media there had been “too many” leaders of the party.
However, he quickly corrected himself and said he himself had drunk “too many coffees”.
