Victorian Liberals Vote on Moira Deeming Reinstatement

The Victorian Liberal Party is facing a critical vote on Friday regarding the potential reinstatement of expelled MP Moira Deeming following her successful defamation suit against party leader John Pesutto. Deeming was ousted after a controversial rally she organized, which attracted counter-protesters and neo-Nazi gatecrashers, leading to accusations against her that she vehemently denied. A Federal Court ruling found Pesutto had defamed Deeming on multiple occasions, ordering him to pay $300,000 in damages and potentially facing millions in legal costs. Five Liberal MPs have spearheaded a motion to bring Deeming back, arguing that her expulsion was 'fundamentally flawed' and that the party must act with integrity. This situation poses a significant challenge to Pesutto's leadership, especially after MP Sam Groth resigned from the frontbench amid the controversy. The outcome of the vote could reshape the party's dynamics and influence its direction moving forward.