The Source: John Pesutto casts shadow over Jess Wilson’s frontbench call

As new Opposition Leader Jess Wilson puts the finishing touches on her shadow cabinet, her Liberal colleagues are all wondering whether it will include her predecessor John Pesutto.

John Pesutto is tipped to miss out on a role in Jess Wilson’s shadow cabinet.

Putting the squeeze on Victoria’s movers, shakers and headline makers

New Opposition Leader Jess Wilson is poised to announce her new shadow cabinet – but one high profile name is tipped to miss out.

The Source hears Wilson has been hitting the phones to colleagues in recent days, with the expectation she will announce her new frontbench line-up as early as Thursday.

There has been some speculation over the timing of the announcement, with some Liberals advocating that Wilson wait until after the last sitting week of parliament next week.

Speculation is also rife about whether or not former leader John Pesutto will make the cut.

If he doesn’t, Wilson is sure to face questions as to how she could leave the man she once voted to lead the party off her shadow cabinet team.

Jess Wilson is set to finalise her shadow cabinet. Picture: Mark Stewart

The Source has been told Pesutto has made no secret of his desire to once again take up a prominent role, after languishing on the backbench for almost 12 months.

But a view has formed, at least among some influential Liberals with Wilson’s ear, that she can’t bring him back into the fold unless and until the Supreme Court case involving his $1.55m loan is finalised.

With prospects of that settling slim to none, according to well placed sources, the case will hang around until at least March but likely well beyond by the time a ruling is handed down and potential appeals considered.

Mr Pesutto has made no secret of his desire to once again take up a promient role. Picture: Wayne Taylor

Other sources say factional considerations could also play a part in the Pesutto decision, despite Wilson’s declaration of party unity following her election.

While shadow cabinet announcements are always closely watched, whether or not Pesutto makes the cut is the big question this time around.

Especially given Wilson has four former leaders in her party room.

Which poses another interesting question: will the man she toppled, Brad Battin, get a gig?

Watch this space.

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