John Pesutto Faces Leadership Crisis After Defamation Loss to Moira Deeming

A Federal Court found the Victorian Opposition Leader defamed the exiled MP, awarding $300,000 in damages, intensifying party divisions and leadership uncertainty.

• The Federal Court ruled that John Pesutto defamed Moira Deeming by falsely implying she knowingly associated with neo-Nazis, awarding her $300,000 in damages.
• Pesutto's legal defenses, including claims of public interest and honest opinion, were rejected by the court, which criticized his lack of precise language and evasive testimony.
• The defamation case has deepened divisions within the Victorian Liberal Party, with some MPs questioning Pesutto's leadership but no clear successor emerging.
• Deeming, now an independent MP, has expressed interest in rejoining the Liberal Party, though her return faces resistance from members who cite her legal action against Pesutto.
• Despite the turmoil, recent polling shows the Victorian Liberal Party gaining ground, with some party leaders urging unity to focus on upcoming elections.

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