Liberals' Failed Bid to Oust Conservative Women in Victoria
The Victorian Liberals' plan to remove conservative women from top ballot spots backfired, with Moira Deeming the only one successfully ousted despite moderates' efforts.
For months, a secret plan has been underway within the Victorian Liberal party to dislodge a group of conservative women from their prominent positions on the upper house ballot ahead of the November state election. The moderates had hoped to create a united front and oust these figures, but their efforts ultimately fell short.
While they failed to remove Bev McArthur and Renee Heath, and Ann-Marie Hermans held onto the second spot, the moderates did claim one major victory - ousting Moira Deeming, the most high-profile of the conservative women targeted.
Jess Wilson, a senior moderate, tried to orchestrate the plan and establish a unified approach. For a brief moment, it seemed to work. "Are we frustrated? Yes. Surprised? No," Wilson said, reflecting the moderates' determination to reshape the party's upper house representation.
However, the conservatives within the party "just couldn't help themselves" and ended up undermining the moderates' strategy. Despite the moderates' best efforts, they were unable to dislodge the other high-profile conservative women from their positions.
The failed attempt to oust Deeming, in particular, has highlighted the deep divisions within the Victorian Liberals. Deeming, a vocal supporter of the controversial 'freedom' movement, had become a lightning rod for controversy within the party.
The moderates had hoped that by removing her from the ballot, they could present a more united and palatable face to voters. However, their inability to achieve a broader purge of conservative women has left the party in a state of flux, with the deep ideological rifts still unresolved.
As the state election approaches, the Victorian Liberals find themselves in a precarious position. The failure of the moderates' plan has left the party vulnerable, with the conservative faction still wielding significant influence. The party's ability to present a cohesive and appealing message to voters remains uncertain, as the internal divisions continue to simmer.
Source: The Guardian
