Geelong based state MP Bev McArthur voted to Liberal Party head of upper house

Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur has emerged victorious in a dramatic Liberal Party leadership spill that saw both upper and lower house positions change hands.

Newly elected Victorian Liberal Party leader Jess Wilson, trailed by Bev McArthur. : NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

A Geelong based MP has been appointed to a key position in the Victorian Liberal Party following a shock spill motion on Tuesday.

Western Victoria Region member for the Victorian Legislative Council Bev McArthur was voted as the Liberal’s new upper house leader in Victoria during a spill motion that saw Brad Battin replaced as leader by Jess Wilson.

It is understood Ms McArthur beat out long time MP David Davis 19-13 for the position.

Evan Mullholland will be her deputy.

Ms McArthur told the Geelong Advertiser she was “humbled” by the result.

Ms McArthur stands by Ms Wilson as she gives a brief statement outside the Liberal Party Room.: NewsWire / Luis Enrique Ascui

“I recognise fully the seriousness of the responsibility that accompanies this role,” she said.

“It’s my responsibility to ensure we offer Victorians the best alternative to Labor.

“The only thing which matters is to offer a Liberal Government which has breadth of vision and the talent to win the next election, and to govern Victoria in a way which allows the state and its people to thrive.”

The new upper house leader expressed her confidence in Ms Wilson to guide the party to an electoral victory for the first time since 2010.

“Needless to say, I will do everything in my power to ensure Liberals are victorious, with Jess as Premier,” Ms McArthur said.

Victorian Liberal MP Bev McArthur arrives as the party meet at Parliament House to decide whether to expel Liberal MP Moira Deeming. Picture: Ian Currie

“I have known Jess and her family since she visited our farm as a young girl. I served on the governing body of our party with Jess, her husband, Aaron and her parents, Ron and Jo.

“Jess and I will continue to prosecute our shared Liberal values for the benefit of all Victorians.”

Ms McArthur was one of Battin’s backers in a spill against former leader John Pesutto late last year, and was later rewarded for her support.

Battin appointed her to the front bench for the first time since being elected to parliament in 2018, overseeing two portfolios - local government and government waste.

Ms McArthur had repeatedly called for Mr Pesutto’s resignation after Moira Deeming successfully sued him for defamation

Reports this morning suggest Battin’s involvement in a plan to loan money to Pesutto to aid him in avoiding bankruptcy “enraged” Ms McArthur.

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Originally published as Geelong based state MP Bev McArthur voted to Liberal Party head of upper house