- Matthew Guy has been named Victoria’s new Opposition Leader, after successfully rolling previous leader Michael O’Brien
- Mr Guy returned to the Liberal Leadership position on Tuesday morning after Mr O’Brien decided against challenging a leadership ballot
- It was the second challenge he’d faced in six months, amid criticism the Liberals had been unable to get their message across during the pandemic
- Mr O’Brien took over the role from Mr Guy after the Victorian Liberals suffered a resounding loss in the 2018 State Election
- The new Victorian Opposition Leader is promising unity within the party going forward, saying they’ll offer an alternative to lockdowns
Matthew Guy has been named Victoria’s new Opposition Leader, after successfully rolling previous leader Michael O’Brien.
Mr Guy returned to the Liberal Leadership position after Mr O’Brien decided against challenging a leadership ballot in Melbourne on Tuesday morning.
David Southwick has been elected Deputy Liberal Leader, replacing Cindy McLeish in the role this morning.
This was Mr O’Brien’s second challenge he’d faced in six months, amid criticism the Liberals had been unable to get their message across during the pandemic.
The Daniel Andrew’s led Labor Government has dominated headlines for their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and related lockdowns.
Speaking after his ousting, Mr O’Brien said he hoped the party would now unite and offer alternative policies for Victorians.
“It’s important for the Liberals now to be united and to get behind the new leadership team – Matthew Guy and David Southwick,” Mr O’Briend said.
“We have already put major policies out there that will help to turn this state around.”
Mr O’Brien took over the Opposition Leader role from Mr Guy after the Victorian Liberals suffered a resounding loss in the 2018 State Election.
He resigned after the party walked away with just 27 Lower House seats to Labor’s 55, a 10-seat loss.
Mr Guy also faced criticism during his time as leader for the “lobster with a mobster” scandal which saw him dine with an alleged mafia boss.
Since reclaiming leadership this morning, Mr Guy said he will help rebuild the party and offer Melbournians an end to ongoing lockdowns.
“It is our job to lead us to the election in 14 months’ time,” Mr Guy said.
“We should be focused on unifying our state and growing our state together.”