Matthew Guy is the new leader of the Liberal Party in Victoria after toppling Michael O’Brien for the job.
Mr O’Brien took over the leadership in December 2018, following Mr Guy’s historic election loss. A new motion, however was carried 20 to 11 and Mr O’Brien pulled out without contesting the leadership.
The new Liberal deputy leader is David Southwick, beating shadow treasurer Louise Staley in a vote.
Following his takeover, Mr Guy thanked Mr O’Brien and stated the role of opposition leader was the hardest job in politics and that Liberals would focus on a positive plan for the state.
“We will have a clear alternative for Victorians and we will begin to articulate that today,” he said.
“A plan not just for lockdowns, but for recovery. Victoria’s best days are ahead of it, not behind it.”
Mr O’Brien said the result was disappointing but “it’s important for Liberals to now be united”.
“I’ve never been the sort of person to play political games. I wasn’t prepared to change that,” he said.
“I’ll sleep very soundly knowing that.”
At the next election, Mr O’Brien said he would recontest the seat of Malvern.
Mr O’Brien was challenged to the leadership after resisting calls for him to resign from the top role “for the good of the party”.