Victorian Liberal Leader John Pesutto Faces Leadership Crisis After Deadlocked Vote

Internal divisions deepen as Pesutto resists calls to resign following a tied vote on reinstating exiled MP Moira Deeming.

John Pesutto's leadership of the Victorian Liberal Party is under significant pressure following a 14-14 tie on whether to reinstate Moira Deeming to the party room, with Pesutto using his casting vote to block her return.
The deadlock has highlighted deep fractures within the party, with moderates and conservatives sharply divided over Pesutto's leadership and Deeming's future in the party.
Pesutto has refused to step down despite losing the support of key backers and facing calls to resign, asserting his focus remains on upcoming state by-elections and broader policy issues.
Moira Deeming, who won a defamation case against Pesutto over accusations of Nazi sympathies, has vowed to continue pushing for an apology and her reinstatement, claiming it is only a matter of time.
The ongoing infighting, driven by factional disputes and unresolved tensions, has raised concerns about the party's ability to present a united front ahead of future elections.