More than a third of the Liberal Party room is expected to support the return of ousted MP Moira Deeming, following her defamation lawsuit win against Leader John Pesutto. However, MPs are rallying behind Pesutto, stressing that the upcoming vote will not be a challenge to his leadership.
A straw poll conducted by the *Herald Sun* before Friday’s special meeting showed that at least 10 out of 28 voting MPs back Deeming’s return. While her support has surprised many, MPs insist the vote is focused solely on her re-admittance and not on questioning Pesutto’s leadership.
Key figures in the Shadow Ministry, including David Southwick, Georgia Crozier, Evan Mulholland, David Davis, and Wendy Lovell, have opposed Deeming’s return and reaffirmed their support for Pesutto. Lovell, in particular, emphasized her concerns about Deeming’s past votes with Labor, stating, “John is by far the best person for the job. He has my full support.”
Veteran MP Kim Wells also supported Deeming’s return but clarified that the meeting’s focus is not leadership. “This meeting is about Moira, and there’s only one motion,” he said.
While 10 MPs have declared support for Deeming, seven are opposed, and the rest remain undecided. Brad Tilley, who will move the motion, also pointed to the significance of the Federal Court’s decision in Deeming’s favor, emphasizing that the current meeting is centered on resolving the Moira issue.
The tension within the Liberal Party has been heightened following Deeming’s court victory and the resignation of former Shadow Minister Sam Groth, who cited his inability to serve under Pesutto. Despite speculation about a leadership challenge, Groth’s resignation has not led to a significant challenge to Pesutto’s position.
Support for Pesutto remains strong among several MPs, especially in light of recent polling showing increased support for the Coalition. A *Redbridge* poll revealed that the Coalition’s backing is rising, particularly among battlers, low-income, and less-educated voters—key groups that are crucial to sustaining Pesutto’s leadership. This, coupled with ongoing efforts to unite the party, underlines the challenge of navigating internal divisions at a time when the government is struggling.
Overall, while the vote on Deeming’s return is a moment of internal conflict, Pesutto’s leadership remains firmly backed by many in the party, with growing political support from key voter segments.
