AVictorian Liberal preselection battle that ended Moira Deeming’s spot on the party’s upper house ticket has taken another turn, with the candidate who replaced her now facing pressure to withdraw.
Businessman Dinesh Gourisetty secured the top position on the Liberal Party’s ticket for the Western Metropolitan Region at a delegate vote in Melbourne on Sunday, defeating Deeming and fellow MP Trung Luu.
According to party sources, about 68 delegates took part in the ballot, with Gourisetty receiving 39 votes, Deeming 26 and Luu three. Luu retained the second position on the ticket. The result still needs formal endorsement from the party’s state executive.
However, as reported by The Age, Gourisetty is now under pressure to stand aside over a character reference he provided for a man facing grooming charges in 2024.
The report said concerns within the party could make it difficult for the leadership to endorse him as the lead candidate. Some party sources believe he may withdraw, although he has not formally done so.
The development adds fresh uncertainty to an already divisive preselection contest.
Deeming, who was elected to the upper house in 2022, has remained a contentious figure within the party since attending the “Let Women Speak” rally in 2023. The event was disrupted by neo-Nazi groups, which she condemned, while maintaining she was right to attend.
Her subsequent dispute with then Liberal leader John Pesutto led to her suspension and expulsion from the parliamentary party after she threatened defamation action. A court later found Pesutto had defamed her by suggesting she associated with extremist groups. Deeming returned to the party room after a leadership change in late 2024.
Despite backing from senior conservative figures, including former prime minister Tony Abbott and commentator Peta Credlin, she was unable to retain her position on the ticket.
Current Liberal leader Jess Wilson had supported sitting MPs facing preselection challenges and described Deeming as an “articulate and effective advocate” for the party.
Deeming did not seek a lower position on the ticket and left the meeting without comment. Her next move remains unclear, though there has been speculation she could explore options with other parties. One Nation’s Victorian president Warren Pickering said his party would be open to discussions.
The Western Metropolitan Region is expected to be closely contested at the November state election, with the Liberals aiming to retain two seats amid growing competition from minor parties.
For now, the final shape of the Liberal ticket remains uncertain, with the party yet to formally endorse the preselection outcome.
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