Jess Wilson topples Brad Battin but divides voters in Liberal leadership spill
From federal endorsements to blank stares on the street – Victoria is having its say on new state Liberal leader Jess Wilson after a shock leadership change.
Jess Wilson’s historic appointment to the Liberal Party leadership in Tuesday morning’s spill took many Victorian’s by surprise, with the “clinical” removal of Brad Battin from the top job provoking a wide range of reactions from around the state.
While established senior Liberals on Spring St and in Canberra were quick to endorse the party’s new direction under Ms Wilson, the response from members of the public approached by the Herald Sun suggest she still has a long way to go before she becomes a household name, with many having no idea who she was when asked on Tuesday afternoon.
Herald Sun readers also had their say on Tuesday, with our online poll suggesting readers were split on whether removing Mr Battin from power was the right call, although a majority agreed the Liberals could still win the next election with Ms Wilson at the helm.
Was dumping Brad Battin the right call?
Can Jess Wilson win the next Victorian election?
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
Richard Youren, 60, Malvern
Do you know who Jess Wilson is?
“Not before today.”
Do you think she has what it takes to beat Jacinta Allan and win next year’s state election?
“Yes. I can’t believe anybody votes for the Labor Party in Victoria anymore. The place is in total disregard.
“We can only hope.”
Leah Morvell, 53, St Kilda East
Do you know who Jess Wilson is?
“Yeah, I saw it a bit this morning. She was the new person they thought was going to be the Liberal leader, and I hear she has got in, which is fabulous.”
Do you think she has what it takes to beat Jacinta Allan and win next year’s state election?
“I’m not quite sure, I don’t follow local politics as much, but I know there is turmoil in the Liberal Party, nationally as well as statewide.
“Hopefully she does. I think Jacinta has got a few problems at the moment with crime. She probably needs a run for her money.”
Maddy Curran, 21, Carlton
Do you know who Jess Wilson is?
“I don’t.”
Do you think she has what it takes to beat Jacinta Allan and win next year’s state election?
“I hope not. I don’t know anything about her, I should probably know, but I don’t. I will have to look into it.”
Ashleigh O’Leary, 23, Geelong
Do you know who Jess Wilson is?
“A little bit, yes.”
Do you think she has what it takes to beat Jacinta Allan and win next year’s state election?
“I’m not entirely sure. I feel like our city votes very Labor, so I’m not sure, but it would be cool to see.”
Josh Lu, 24, Doncaster
Do you know who Jess Wilson is?
“No, but I have heard of her.”
Do you think she has what it takes to beat Jacinta Allan and win next year’s state election?
“If the policies are okay, if they’re competitive.
“I don’t know, it’s hard to tell considering Labor has been here for a while.
“It’s a year away, so there are a lot of things that can change.”
Ishti Hossain, 26, Clayton
Do you know who Jess Wilson is?
“No, I don’t know who she is.”
Do you think she has what it takes to beat Jacinta Allan and win next year’s state election?
“I think she has a good chance. With the recent incidents, especially the crimes and everything, I think the sentiment is a bit against Jacinta Allan.
“I think she has a chance, but it is going to be competitive.”
HERALD SUN READERS:
Damien:
He might have been a nice bloke, but he wasn’t up to it. The leader must have a strong grasp of finance and the economy. Everything else hinges off that, including the State’s ability to manage crime. This was a no-brainer for that reason.
Julie:
Seriously, you couldn’t make this stuff up. Even the rusted on Liberal supporters are starting to turn on their own party. Who in their right mind would want this rabble in charge of Victoria. Time to wind the party up and give someone else a chance in opposition.
Anthony:
Strange move, I thought Battin was just starting to cut through.
Claudia:
I liked Brad. This is the last straw. I won’t be voting for the Liberal Party again. And Jess Wilson, a moderate — you’ve got to be kidding,
FEDERAL LIBERALS:
Sussan Ley:
Federal Opposition Leader Sussan Ley is increasingly likely to face a spill of her own when parliament returns to Canberra next week, but that didn't stop her from congratulating Ms Wilson on rolling her Victorian counterpart.
“Jess represents a fresh, next generation approach at a time when Victoria needs it most,” she said.
“After years of a tired and out of touch Labor government, families are facing rising debt, growing crime and a health system that is stretched to breaking point.
“Jess and I will work together to build a stronger Liberal team across the country and offer Victorians the real alternative they are looking for.”
Ms Ley also thanked Mr Battin for his “tireless work”.
“Brad has always put his community first and is an important contributor to the team,” she said.
Tim Wilson:
While unrelated to new leader Jess Wilson, fellow moderate and Federal Victorian Liberal MP Tim Wilson told the Herald Sun he liked the sound of a Wilson government. “Congratulations to Jess,” he said.
“No one would be surprised I’m excited for a Wilson Liberal-led government”.
Sarah Henderson:
Victorian Senator Sarah Henderson also congratulated Ms Wilson as well as Sam Groth and Bev McArthur for retaining deputy leadership, and winning the vote for upperhouse Liberal leader respectively.
“After 11 years of successive Labor governments which has so damaged our state, only a Liberal Nationals government will build a stronger, safer and more prosperous Victoria,” she said.
Ms Henderson also thanked Mr Battin “for his leadership, dedication, hard work and grace which has returned the Coalition to such a competitive position”.
Josh Frydenberg:
Former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg congratulated Ms Wilson on her win, saying she “has what it takes” to be Premier.
“Jess is smart, sensible, and determined, and has what it takes to lead the State and create a better future for all Victorians,” he wrote on X.
“I have seen first hand her ability to get across complex policy and to communicate ideas effectively and with empathy. She has, at all times, reflected the very best values.
“I wish Jess and her team good luck for the journey ahead.
“There is only one thing that counts from here: creating a safer and stronger Victoria.”
Originally published as Jess Wilson topples Brad Battin but divides voters in Liberal leadership spill
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