Michael O’Brien to become new leader of the Victorian Liberal Party after John Pesutto loses Hawthorn

Former Victorian treasurer Michael O’Brien is almost certain to become the next state leader of the Liberal Party after John Pesutto lost his seat.

Former Victorian treasurer Michael O'Brien. Picture: AAP

Former Victorian treasurer Michael O’Brien is almost certain to become the next state leader of the Liberal Party when the party room meets on Thursday morning, with the other key contender, legal affairs spokesman John Pesutto, set to lose his seat.

Labor tonight declared victory in Mr Pesutto’s previously safe Liberal seat of Hawthorn, pending a routine recount, with the incumbent 173 votes behind.

John Pesutto. Picture: AAP

Emergency services spokesman Brad Battin is expected to put his hand up, but is unlikely to garner more than a handful of votes against Mr O’Brien.

A large field is expected to nominate for the deputy’s position, held by roads spokesman David Hodgett, with Mr Battin’s name mentioned alongside those of several female colleagues, including Cindy McLeish and Roma Britnell.

A former industrial relations lawyer and Coalition staffer, Mr Pesutto told The Australian he was keen to remain involved with the Liberal Party and help it rebuild following a stunning defeat in which Labor looks to have won up to 56 of 88 seats.

“I want to help rebuild. We’ve had so many of our own people walking away from us, and I want to be part of turning that around and making us a broader, more inclusive more engaging party,” he said.

He said it was too early to speculate on what form his contribution may take.

Liberal colleagues say Mr Pesutto could perform the role of state director should Nick Demiris be forced out by the party following the Coalition’s emphatic election defeat. But, Mr Demiris still has years to run on his contract.

Just two seats remained in doubt last night, 10 days after the November 24 poll.

Liberal Louise Staley was 78 votes ahead in Ripon, northwest of Ballarat, but last night the Victorian Electoral Commission finalised the provisional result in the seat, declaring Labor’s Sarah De Santis the winner by 31 votes.

Preference distribution was finalised in a number of other close seats, delivering Prahran and Brunswick to the Greens, Nepean and Bayswater to Labor, Benambra, Caulfield and Sandringham to the Liberals, and Mildura to independent Ali Cupper.