Newly re-elected Vic Liberal Party president Philip Davis warns crisis looming for party
Phil Davis has warned the Liberal Party is facing a win or bust state election after he was re-elected as Victorian party president, saying “we have to work together”.
Victorian Liberal Party president Phil Davis has warned the party is facing a win or bust state election, saying it’s all on the line next year.
Mr Davis was re-elected to the top job on Saturday at the party’s annual state conference, fending off a challenge from predecessor Greg Mirabella.
He said after the vote the party would be in crisis if it failed to win next year’s election, a feat requiring the party to win 16 seats.
He also issued a salvo to party members demanding unity and an end to division that has paralysed the party in recent years.
“If we’re incapable of governing ourselves and being able to win in 2026 — in my view, we will be in a crisis,” he said.
“The reality is we have to work together.
“The last week has not been the highlight of my life or my presidency, to be blunt, and I hope we don’t see the like of it ever again.”
Former party state director Stuart Smith resigned on Thursday after damning text messages in which he disparaged members and senior MP Bev McArthur were made public.
“As I keep saying to people, the only way we can be ready to go is to work together,” Mr Davis said.
His plea for unity is unlikely to bring an end to the Supreme Court challenge by five members of the party’s powerful administrative committee
— which was on Saturday renamed to the state executive to bring it in line with similar bodies in other states — to the validity of a $1.55m rescue loan issued to Hawthorn MP John Pesutto.
Lawyers for Mr Davis this week flagged they would seek to have the matter knocked out of court.
But sources familiar with the case said if that failed, there would be almost no way to settle the matter before a public trial, which threatened to force Mr Davis, Opposition Leader Brad Battin and other senior Liberals to testify.
The issue has driven a wedge through sections of the party because of concerns about ongoing governance issues.
Mr Battin on Saturday addressed hundreds of party faithful for the first time as leader, receiving multiple standing ovations.
Unlike addresses by leaders in previous years, he was not heckled, with members applauding his vow to introduce a new $100m youth crime prevention package if elected to government.
“We’ve come out with some good policies, particularly around what’s happening with crime in Victoria, and I believe that the Victorian Liberal Party members are pleased and proud that we’re coming out with a policy to protect Victorians,” Mr Battin said.
“I think that was reflected in the response today when people stood up and applauded, it wasn’t just about Brad Batten, it’s about Brad Battin keeping Victoria safe.”
Federal shadow treasurer Ted O’Brien also addressed the conference.
Controversy around how-to-vote texts
It came after the state conference was mired in controversy before even getting started amid a heated battle for the state presidency.
Concerns were raised about a flagrant breach of party rules with an SMS how-to-vote card being circulated ahead of the hotly contested vote.
An SMS directing people how to vote for Phil Davis was circulated to select delegates early on Saturday morning.
Mr Davis is being challenged by his predecessor Greg Mirabella, with Liberals believing the contest will be tight.
Under party rules, members are banned from making any public statement about any election at State Council unless expressly permitted by the Constitution.
Members are explicitly banned from circulating or causing to be circulated any material which may influence a vote.
The Herald Sun is not suggesting Mr Davis authorised or was even aware of the text.
A similar text was sent in 2023 when Mr Davis first nominated for the top job.
Originally published as Newly re-elected Vic Liberal Party president Philip Davis warns crisis looming for party
