Jess Wilson Highlights ‘Clear Choice’ for Voters as Brad Battin Concedes Defeat

NewsFinale Journal

3 hours ago

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Victoria’s latest Liberal Party leader has laid out her vision for the state after a swift coup set the scene for a historic election clash.

State Opposition leader Brad Battin lost the leadership to Kew MP Jess Wilson on Tuesday morning after a successful spill. The 35-year-old Wilson is the state party’s third leader in 11 months after John Pesutto was dumped and replaced by Battin in late December.

A delegation of Liberal MPs visited Battin on Monday afternoon and told him he had lost party room support, with others then calling him to deliver the same message.

The former police officer did not nominate after losing the spill motion 19 votes to 13, paving the way for Wilson to be elected unopposed.

Jess Wilson has made history by becoming the first female leader of the Victorian Liberal Party. Her leadership marks a significant moment as she sets her sights on addressing key issues affecting the state.

Wilson has outlined her primary objectives, which include restoring the state budget, tackling what she describes as a “crime crisis,” enhancing healthcare services, and promoting home ownership. These priorities will take center stage as she gears up for the November 2026 election.

Acknowledging her past contributions, Wilson expressed a deep sense of pride in her ongoing commitment to the community and the impact of her work to date.

In her leadership team, Wilson has highlighted the importance of having dedicated individuals like Battin, whom she praised as a “tireless” worker for the party. She emphasized that Battin’s role will be crucial in realizing the party’s vision and goals.

“The Victorian Liberal Party now has a very clear path to go towards the next election.”

Former tennis ace turned MP Sam Groth fended off David Southwick to remain the party’s deputy leader.

Bev McArthur replaced David Davis as the party’s upper house leader, with Evan Mulholland retaining his upper house deputy position to round out Wilson’s leadership team.

Wilson is a former staffer to former federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg and has previous experience as an executive of the Business Council of Australia. She was immediately elevated to the key portfolio of education after entering parliament in 2022.

Wilson is viewed as a more electorally potent challenger to Labor as a member of the party’s moderate wing and a young mother with business savvy.

The Victorian branch of the Liberal Party has never had a female leader before.

Opposition support slipping

Support for the Victorian Opposition had slipped in recent reputable polls, although one published by The Herald Sun newspaper on Tuesday had the Coalition narrowly ahead of Labour on a two-party-preferred basis.

Liberal MPs had quietly complained about Battin’s lack of focus on issues other than crime in the state.

The strategy rebounded last week when Labor unveiled a series of policies to crack down on crime, catching the Opposition out.

The leadership coup sets up a head-to-head battle between Wilson and Premier Jacinta Allan to run the state.

The state Coalition will need to gain at least 17 extra seats to form a majority government.

The Liberals and Nationals have been out of power in Victoria for all but four years since the turn of the century.

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