Victorian Liberal Leader John Pesutto Calls Second Vote on Moira Deeming’s Reinstatement

Pesutto reverses stance after defamation ruling and internal party pressure, setting up a pivotal January meeting.

John Pesutto has announced a second vote on January 15 to decide whether to readmit Moira Deeming to the Victorian Liberal Party room.
This decision follows a Federal Court ruling that Pesutto defamed Deeming by falsely implying she associated with neo-Nazis, resulting in $315,632 in damages.
The initial vote on Deeming's readmission ended in a 14-14 deadlock, with Pesutto casting the deciding vote against her return.
Pesutto faces mounting leadership challenges, with party members reportedly planning a spill and alternative leadership teams being discussed.
Deeming, expelled after a controversial rally in 2023, stated she learned of the new vote through media and has yet to receive a personal apology from Pesutto.