Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has secured party endorsement for her upper house position after a proposed second preselection contest collapsed over the Easter long weekend.
The endorsement follows a turbulent period within the Victorian Liberal Party, after Ms Deeming initially lost preselection for the Western Metropolitan Region to businessman Dinesh Gourisetty. That result was later overturned when Mr Gourisetty stepped aside following scrutiny over a character reference he had provided in a criminal matter.
Party officials had moved to conduct a second preselection process, with Ms Deeming expected to face new challengers. However, the contest did not proceed after one candidate was ruled ineligible and another withdrew, leaving her as the sole nominee.
The party’s state executive subsequently endorsed Ms Deeming unanimously, with the decision finalised during the Easter period.
Speaking after the outcome, Ms Deeming said, “I thank all those who stood with me, including Jess Wilson- and I relish the opportunity to expose and route out Labor’s callous betrayal of hard working families, especially in the West- I will never let them be taken for granted again. And when we win, I will work tirelessly to restore good Governance to this great State of Victoria.”
The development follows months of internal divisions within the party linked to Ms Deeming’s attendance at the “Let Women Speak” rally in 2023, which was disrupted by neo-Nazi groups. She condemned those involved while maintaining she was right to attend.
Her dispute with then leader John Pesutto led to her suspension and removal from the parliamentary party after she threatened defamation action. A court later found Mr Pesutto had defamed her by suggesting she associated with extremist groups. She returned to the party room after a leadership change in late 2024.
During the recent preselection process, Ms Deeming had been supported by senior figures within the party, including Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, who had backed sitting MPs facing internal challenges.
The Western Metropolitan Region remains a closely watched contest ahead of the November state election, with the Liberals aiming to retain representation in Melbourne’s western suburbs while facing pressure from minor parties.
Ms Deeming’s re-endorsement settles the party’s immediate preselection dispute, though the events surrounding the process have highlighted ongoing tensions within the Victorian Liberal ranks.
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