Liberal infighting ramps up ahead of Friday spill

Negotiations on what the Liberals’ new shadow cabinet could look like have broken down as opposition leader John Pesutto makes an 11th-hour manoeuvre.

Victorian opposition leader John Pesutto has pulled a surprise manoeuvre in an last-ditch effort to sway a crucial party room vote on Friday.

In a Christmas Eve e-mail, Mr Pesutto informed members of the parliamentary Liberal Party that he would allow two MPs to join in and vote at Friday’s meeting remotely, rather than having to attend in person.

“I have sought advice from the Shadow Attorney-General who advises that it is open to me in the circumstances to exercise the authority to enable remote participation,” it read, according to The Australian.

Originally set for next month, the meeting to vote on whether expelled former liberal Moira Deeming should be let back in to the party was brought forward by five “rebel” frontbenchers who are reportedly seeking to challenge Mr Pesutto as leader.

It was reported on Wednesday that while shadow police minister Brad Battin has support as Pesutto’s replacement, the party room is divided on whether shadow finance minister Jess Wilson and former tennis pro Sam Groth should become his deputy.

Front runner Brad Battin has reportedly closed ranks against would-be-deputy Jess Wilson.. Picture NCA NewsWire / Aaron Francis

This latest blow to Mr Pesutto’s grip on power comes after the Federal Court ruled earlier this month that he defamed Mrs Deeming during her 2023 expulsion from the party.

Mr Pesutto then cast the tiebreaking vote to block her readmission to the party last week, prompting severe backlash from the party room.

The meeting to vote on whether expelled former Liberal Moira Deeming should be reinstated was brought forward by five rebel frontbenchers reportedly aiming to challenge Mr. Pesutto’s leadership. Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie

Less than 48 hours after declaring the party “was moving on”, Mr Pesutto then admitted it had become clear “an absolute majority” now wanted to see Mrs Deeming readmitted, and locked in January 15 for another vote on the matter.

“I again apologise to Mrs Deeming as we all work together to ensure the Liberal Party succeeds in winning government in November 2026,” he said.

Liberal MPs Sam Groth, Richard Riordan, James Newbury, Brad Battin and Bridget Vallence soon moved to bring that meeting forward to Friday in a reported effort to topple the embattled leader before the new year.

Mr Groth had already resigned from the front bench after the Federal Court’s ruling, saying in a statement he could “in good conscience, no longer continue to serve”.

Originally published as Liberal infighting ramps up ahead of Friday spill