Liberal MP Brad Battin to take on party leader Michael O’Brien in shock leadership challenge

The Victorian Opposition Leader is due to face a leadership challenge, but some Liberal MPs think the move is a ‘mistake’.

Victoria’s Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien is facing a leadership spill, with reports the move has been initiated by a small group of Liberal MPs.

Media reports on Monday said Mr O’Brien would face an internal party room challenge on Tuesday morning.

Liberal MP Brad Battin is understood to be challenging Mr O’Brien at the party room meeting.

Liberal MP Brad Battin (left) is challenging Michael O’Brien for the party’s top job.

The party’s 31 state MPs will need to vote on Tuesday for a “spill” motion.

It comes after months of speculation of a leadership challenge, with rumblings some MPs were unhappy with the party’s prospects under Mr O’Brien’s leadership.

The embattled leader publicly stated he was “the right candidate” for the job after internal scrutiny of him was ultimately aired publicly, outlining the party’s perceived failure to capitalise on the Victorian government’s bumbling of hotel quarantine that led to extended lockdowns in the state.

The leader publicly stated he was “the right candidate” for the position.

There is concern Labor’s success in the Western Australian state election, due to its fierce approach during the pandemic, could result in a similar situation in Victoria.

Victorian Liberal MPs Michael O'Brien (left) and Brad Battin. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

Mr Battin gained prominence against the Andrews government’s reforms to the Country Fire Authority and is one of the party’s only MPs who represents an outer-suburban seat, which he won from Labor in 2010.

While some MPs believe he has the support to become the next leader, others have concerns about the spill.

Liberal MP Edward O’Donohue said on Monday he would not support a spill.

“I think a leadership change would be a mistake,” Mr O’Donohue said.

“Victorians want the opposition to be united, and I think Michael is doing a great job, (but) he can always do better.”

Fellow Liberal MP David Davis said he would support Mr O’Brien in Tuesday’s spill.

“Any alternative has to make a case or have an alternative vision – there has been no alternative vision put forward,” he said.