Jess Wilson, the state Liberal member for Kew, has been elected as the leader of the Victorian Liberal party and will be the party’s first-ever female leader.
Wilson will take over from Berwick MP Brad Battin, who himself only became party leader in December last year.
⁉️ What happened: The news of the leadership spill began with a delegation of Liberal MPs visiting Battin on Monday afternoon, notifying him he had lost the support of the party room.
The vote for a new leader took place early on Tuesday morning.
🗳️ Ch-ch-changes: The Victorian Liberal leadership change was the fifth shift in the top job over the past 10 years, and the fourth new face – with Matthew Guy serving across two separate terms.
🤝 Battin passes the baton: Speaking to the media after the spill, Battin said the Victorian Liberal party had “a very clear path” to contest the election next November.
🗣️ “We need to see genuine change,” said Battin. “We can’t just wait for it to happen.”
Outgoing Victorian Liberal party leader Brad Battin. Image Credit: Alison Newman
🙏 Grateful farewell: Addressing reporters, Wilson thanked Battin for his work over the past 11 months.
🗣️ “Brad is a tireless supporter and worker for the Liberal Party,” said Wilson.
👀 Looking forward: Wilson said her priorities over the next 12 months included proposing a rework of the state’s budget and future investments, tackling crime, improving access to healthcare services and increased home ownership.
🗣️ “I will work every day for Victorians to make sure at the next election, they have a clear and credible alternative to vote for that gives them hope for the future of Victoria,” said Wilson.
Image Credit: Joel Carrett/AAP Photos