It’s Matthew Guy or Michael O’Brien: Victorian Liberals to choose

THE Victorian Liberal leadership will be decided between two ministerial young turks considered the party’s medium-term future.

THE Victorian Liberal leadership will be decided between two ministerial young turks considered the party’s medium-term ­future.

Outgoing planning minister Matthew Guy and treasurer ­Michael O’Brien yesterday said they would run for the leadership, ending speculation that dates back more than a year.

Tomorrow’s ballot will force Liberal MPs to make a stand on who to carry the party through the often troublesome rebuilding phase.

While Mr O’Brien, 43, was the more senior minister, Mr Guy, 40, was considered the frontrunner because he had a broader support base, senior Liberal sources said. Mr Guy had also received the backing of former premier Jeff Kennett.

Mr O’Brien yesterday said he would not be running on any ­ticket and that if he were to lose the ballot he would not be running as deputy but he would take up a senior frontbench position if ­offered. He called for the party to engage better with the community and said he remained proud of his achievements as treasurer: Victoria retains the strongest budget in the country.

However, it is widely accepted that the state also faces some structural challenges due to the collapse of the local car manufacturing industry and the broader slowdown in manufacturing.

“I think we do need to listen to the community. I think we do need to listen to each other,’’ Mr O’Brien said. “I don’t think that kneejerk responses will necessarily help us.’’

Mr O’Brien took aim at joint-ticket leadership contests, in an apparent swipe at attempts by Mr Guy’s backers for him to run on a ticket with outgoing environment minister Ryan Smith as deputy. Outgoing attorney-general Robert Clark is also expected to run for the deputy’s position.

Mr Guy also confirmed he would be running, although both men describe each other as long-term friends. “After considering the issue with my family and discussing it with my colleagues over the last few days, I confirm that this Thursday I will nominate as leader of the parliamentary Liberal Party,’’ Mr Guy said.

“The Victorian division of the Liberal Party has a proud history in government. Despite Saturday’s election defeat, I firmly ­believe that our best days lie ahead of us, not behind us. Daniel ­Andrews and Labor can be ­defeated at the 2018 election. More than ever, Victoria needs a united, vigorous and energetic opposition.

“I believe that I am best placed to deliver the leadership to achieve this. As this is an internal matter for the parliamentary Liberal Party, I do not intend to provide any further comment.’’

There is also set to be a battle in the upper house, where Liberal leader David Davis faces a challenge from Craig Ondarchie. It is likely that outgoing community services minister Mary Wooldridge will also position herself for that job.