Brad Battin Named New Victorian Liberal Leader After Party Turmoil

Battin replaces John Pesutto following a leadership spill driven by internal divisions and the fallout from the Moira Deeming controversy.

Brad Battin, a former police officer and MP for Berwick, has been elected as the new leader of the Victorian Liberal Party after defeating John Pesutto in a leadership vote.
The leadership spill was triggered by ongoing divisions within the party, largely stemming from Pesutto's handling of the Moira Deeming defamation case and her subsequent expulsion and reinstatement.
Battin's election follows a bruising contest involving Jess Wilson and Chris Crewther, with Wilson finishing third after an elimination-style vote.
Sam Groth, a former tennis player and MP, has been named deputy leader, while Moira Deeming was readmitted to the party room in a 23-4 vote.
Battin has pledged to focus on uniting the fractured party and addressing key issues such as cost of living, crime, and Victoria's budget challenges ahead of the 2026 state election.