Victorian upper house MP Moira Deeming has joined Family First and been appointed the party’s Victorian leader, following her split from the Liberal Party earlier this year.
Family First confirmed on Thursday that Deeming had been endorsed as its lead candidate for Western Metropolitan Region at the November state election.
The move gives Family First a sitting MP to lead its Victorian campaign and provides Deeming with a new political home after months of turmoil within the Liberal Party.
From Liberal Split To Family First
Deeming’s Liberal candidacy for Western Metropolitan was revoked in July after she refused to apologise over allegations involving Liberal MP Matthew Guy. Police reviewed CCTV of the interaction and said no offence had been detected. ABC News reported at the time.
She later resigned from the parliamentary Liberal Party and moved to the crossbench as an independent, saying she would continue representing Western Metropolitan. The Liberals have since selected Melbourne Deputy Lord Mayor Roshena Campbell to replace Deeming at the top of their Western Metropolitan ticket.
Moira Deeming Named Victorian Leader
Family First National Director Lyle Shelton said the party had also appointed Deeming as Victorian Party Leader, while Jane Foreman would remain chair of the Victorian executive.
Shelton said Family First would campaign on housing affordability, cost-of-living pressures, education, community safety, infrastructure and support for small and family businesses.
“Families are working harder but finding it increasingly difficult to buy a home, pay their bills and give their children the opportunities they deserve.”
Lyle Shelton, Family First National Director
The party also highlighted Deeming’s advocacy for the sex-based rights of women and girls, while saying her campaign would cover a broader range of family and economic issues.
Deeming was first elected to the Legislative Council for Western Metropolitan Region in 2022 and will now seek to retain a seat in the region under the Family First banner.
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