Leadership change less than a year before Victorians head to the polls
Jess Wilson MP has been appointed Leader of the Victorian Opposition following a party room spill that resulted in another change to the Liberal Party’s leadership team. The Member for Kew replaces Brad Battin, who served in the role for 11 months after taking over from former leader John Pesutto.
The move comes as the Liberal Party makes another attempt to stabilise ahead of next year’s state election, with internal divisions and repeated leadership shifts contributing to ongoing challenges for the Coalition. The party room voted 19 to 13 in favour of a spill before electing Ms Wilson unopposed. Mornington Peninsula based member for Nepean Sam Groth MP retained the deputy leadership, defeating challenger David Southwick 17 to 15.
Mr Battin said afterwards the party now had a “very clear path” to the next election.
Wilson outlines priorities for Opposition
Focus on economic management, crime and homeownership
Ms Wilson becomes the first woman to lead Victoria’s Coalition. She said her priorities would include strengthening the state’s financial position, responding to community concerns about crime, improving health access and helping more Victorians achieve homeownership.
With the election due in November 2026, the leadership team will be under pressure to present a unified alternative government and rebuild trust with voters after a period of instability.
Business sector responds to appointment
The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry congratulated Ms Wilson on her election and said it welcomed a renewed focus on economic discipline and business confidence.
VCCI Chief Executive Sally Curtain said the Chamber looked forward to working with the new leadership team.
“A strong business sector is essential for jobs, investment and confidence and must be at the heart of Victoria’s future prosperity.”
The Chamber said it will continue to advocate for policies that support statewide investment, business conditions and community safety.
A critical moment for the Victorian Liberal Party
With less 12 months until voters return to the polls, the Liberals face a demanding task: rebuilding internal cohesion, setting out a clear economic agenda and presenting a stable leadership team. The Coalition has experienced repeated changes at the top and must counter growing concerns about its preparedness for government.
The federal Coalition’s landslide defeat earlier this year has placed further pressure on state branches to demonstrate unity and direction. Ms Wilson’s appointment signals an attempt to reset that narrative as the Opposition prepares for the final stretch before the 2026 campaign.
The question remains, can the Liberal Party fit in another spill before November 2026?
