Jess Wilson becomes Victorian Liberal leader

Kew MP Jess Wilson has become the first woman to lead the Victorian Liberal Party, after Liberal MPs on Tuesday voted to replace Brad Battin.

A motion to spill the leadership had 19 votes to 13, and after the spill Wilson was elected unopposed. Sam Groth will remain deputy leader after a challenge from Caulfield MP David Southwick, in which Groth received 17 votes to Southwick’s 15.

After being elected leader, Wilson told the media she was focused on getting the budget under control, ending crime, improving access to healthcare and making home ownership more accessible. At just 35 years of age and a young mum, Wilson said her leadership represented a “new generation Liberal team.”

Southwick told The AJN, “Jess has been a strong and consistent friend of the Jewish community. Since the day she entered Parliament, she has stood with our community, listened carefully to our concerns and shown genuine commitment to our safety and wellbeing. She has visited Israel, strengthened important relationships and made it clear that she will never shy away from defending the values we share.

“In recent times, when many in public life have gone missing, Jess has shown moral clarity and unwavering support for Victorian Jews. Her leadership will bring stability, purpose and respect. I look forward to working with her to ensure our community is protected and Victoria has the strong future it deserves.”