Victorian Liberals could challenge Opposition Leader John Pesutto for party leadership

Liberal leader John Pesutto’s reign could be challenged next week, as simmering tensions within his own party reach boiling point.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto could face a challenge for the leadership at the next Liberal party room meeting on Tuesday.

Multiple sources confirmed Liberal MPs were on Friday night planning to hit the phones over the weekend to determine if a challenge would succeed.

If the numbers stack up, a spill motion to oust Mr Pesutto could be moved when the party meets ahead of the parliamentary sitting week on Tuesday.

“It’s a possibility at this stage, but he could, absolutely (face a spill),” one Liberal MP said.

Another senior Liberal said: “It could be a busy weekend.” one senior figure told the Saturday Herald Sun.

Victorian State Liberal leader John Pesutto’s authority has been challenged again. Picture: Ian Currie

“It’s a possibility at this stage, but he could, absolutely,” another Liberal MP said.

New MP Sam Groth, and fellow shadow Cabinet members Brad Battin and Brad Rowswell are all considered as viable replacements for the top job.

MPs have been counting the numbers for weeks, with most believing a spill motion to oust Mr Pesutto would get the numbers needed to succeed.

However opinion is divided over who best to takeover, with concern among some about Mr Groth’s credentials given he has only been in the job since the 2022 general election.

Mr Battin has twice thrown his hat in the ring for the top job, losing to Mr Pesutto by a single vote in December 2022.

Mr Pesutto has come under intense pressure since March last year when he first moved to expel Moira Deeming from the parliamentary team after she attended a Let Women Speak rally on the steps of parliament.

MPs and party members have questioned his judgment on key issues and party management, while polling has remained weak for the party since he took over.

Sam Groth is one of the party members who may be considered for the top job. Picture: Josh Chadwick.

Mr Pesutto was approached for comment. He has previously denied rumours his job is on the line, maintaining he is “confident” he will lead the party to the 2026

On Friday MPs, speaking anonymously, said concern had increased over legal action being faced by Mr Pesutto who is defending a defamation action by Ms Deeming.

There has been ongoing concern that the matter has taken too much attention away from Mr Pesutto’s ability to lead the party.

Concerns have also been raised about a rift between senior MPs and the party’s leadership group about how to best defend the matter.

Mr Pesutto has unsuccessfully attempted to settle the matter privately on multiple occasions. “If the leadership is now divided then it has to happen,” one source said.

The potential challenge comes less than two weeks after the shock departures of two of Mr Pesutto’s most senior staff. Chief of staff Rodrigo Pintos-Lopez and media boss Nick Johnston resigned earlier this month after weeks of speculation about an imminent leadership challenge. Their departures were announced as “amicable”.

Some MPs have estimated Mr Pesutto enjoys the solid support of as few as 10 MPs in the 29 member party room.