Victorian Liberal State Director Resigns Over Mocking Women, MP Texts

Victorian Liberal state director Stuart Smith resigned after leaked WhatsApp messages revealed he made disparaging and mocking remarks about the party's Women's Council and a 76-year-old Liberal MP, Beverley McArthur. In the messages, Smith joked that the Women's Council only passed resolutions after being told to by two men and labeled a clip of McArthur waving a flag as "Bev with dementia." Smith apologized unreservedly for these comments and tendered his resignation to minimize distractions ahead of the upcoming election. McArthur expressed disappointment but emphasized her focus on representing her constituents rather than being distracted by the incident. Liberal MPs and party affiliates welcomed Smith's resignation, calling his comments unacceptable and inappropriate, while the party aims to move forward and focus on winning the next election. The controversy arose just days before the Liberal Party's state council meeting and an election for the state party president.