The Victorian Liberal Party has been gripped by a bitter internal feud between leader John Pesutto and upper house MP Moira Deeming. The conflict began following Deeming’s participation in a 2023 rally that was overshadowed by the presence of extremist groups.
The dispute escalated into a high-profile defamation case after Deeming was expelled from the party, creating significant political instability. This legal battle has dominated headlines, painting a picture of a party more focused on infighting than governance.
As the court proceedings conclude, the party faces the monumental task of rebuilding its public image and internal unity. Future success will depend on whether the Victorian Liberals can move past these divisions to offer a coherent alternative to the electorate.