Liberal Party Reshuffles Ticket: Deeming Ousted, New Candidate Selected
The Victorian Liberal Party has made a significant shake-up to its ticket for the upcoming state election, removing controversial upper house MP Moira Deeming and installing business leader Dinesh Gourisetty in her place. The decision comes after a tumultuous period for Ms Deeming, marked by her involvement in a divisive rally and subsequent internal party disputes.
Ms Deeming became a lightning rod for criticism following her attendance at the “Let Women Speak” rally in 2023. The event, intended to discuss women’s rights, was infamously gatecrashed by neo-Nazi demonstrators, casting a shadow over Ms Deeming’s participation. While she publicly denounced the actions of the neo-Nazis, she stood by her decision to attend the rally.
This incident triggered a series of internal party repercussions. Ms Deeming was initially suspended from the parliamentary Liberal Party. Her expulsion followed shortly after, stemming from threats of defamation action against the then-leader, John Pesutto. The situation escalated when Ms Deeming successfully sued Mr Pesutto, with a court ruling that he had defamed her by implying an association or sympathy with Nazi ideologies.
However, Ms Deeming’s return to the Liberal fold was facilitated by a leadership spill in late 2024, which saw Mr Pesutto lose his position as leader. This shift in leadership dynamics seemingly paved the way for her re-entry into the party room.
The recent vote by party members has seen Mr Gourisetty secure the top spot on the ticket for a western metropolitan region seat in the Legislative Council. Speaking to the media prior to the meeting, Mr Gourisetty expressed his confidence, stating that the outcome was ultimately in the hands of the delegates. Ms Deeming, on the other hand, remained tight-lipped, opting not to speak with the media either before or after the vote.
Ms Deeming’s pre-selection had garnered significant support from prominent conservative figures within the party. Notably, former Prime Minister Tony Abbott and his former chief of staff, now Sky News host Peta Credlin, had publicly backed her. The current party leader, Jess Wilson, also endorsed Ms Deeming’s pre-selection, adopting a stance of supporting all sitting MPs facing pre-selection challenges.
The decision to remove Ms Deeming from the ticket has now fuelled speculation about her future political endeavours. Observers are questioning whether she might seek a new political home, with the One Nation party being mentioned as a potential option. One Nation has been actively campaigning, fielding candidates in every seat following their recent success in South Australia. Ms Deeming did not reportedly contest any other positions on the ballot.
This latest development echoes a past offer made by Ms Deeming. Last year, when Mr Pesutto was facing potential bankruptcy from the defamation case he lost, Ms Deeming reportedly proposed a deal. She offered to delay bankruptcy proceedings against him on the condition that the Liberal Party bypassed its usual rules and guaranteed her pre-selection. This past offer highlights the complex and often fraught internal dynamics within the Victorian Liberal Party.
The selection of Mr Gourisetty signals a new direction for the party in the western metropolitan region. His background as a business leader is expected to bring a different perspective to the campaign. The Liberal Party will be hoping this reshuffling will resonate with voters and bolster their chances in the upcoming state election. The departure of a figure as polarising as Moira Deeming, however, leaves a void and raises questions about the party’s broader strategy in appealing to different segments of the electorate. The coming months will reveal how this significant pre-selection decision impacts the party’s electoral prospects.
