The Victorian Liberal Party's state executive has voted to disendorse MP Moira Deeming as a candidate for the upcoming state election, following her withdrawal of a Supreme Court injunction earlier this week. The decision was made during a meeting on Friday afternoon, removing Deeming from the number one position on the party's ticket for the Western Metropolitan Region in the November election.
Party Statement Confirms Disendorsement
“Tonight the Liberal Party state executive decided to cancel the endorsement of Moira Deeming for the number 1 position in the Western Metropolitan region,” a party statement said. “The Liberal Party wishes to thank Moira for her service to the Liberal Party. The Liberal Party considers the matter resolved and we look forward to continuing to outline our plan to provide the fresh start Victoria needs in the lead up to the November election.”
Deeming, who remains in the opposition party room for now, will lose her seat in the Legislative Council after the election unless she runs as an independent. Guardian Australia has contacted Deeming for comment.
Legal Challenge Withdrawn
On Wednesday, Deeming announced she had withdrawn her Supreme Court challenge against party president Brian Loughnane, which she had initiated to prevent the party from taking action against her following a controversial incident in May. The legal action was officially dropped earlier this week after Deeming issued a 12-page statement to the state executive, proposing mediation. “The state executive, having all the evidence before them, can now decide whether to pursue mediation or reconvene to disendorse me,” she said.
Deeming had previously accused fellow Liberal MP Matthew Guy of grabbing her “violently” in a headlock during a function in May, but later admitted she misunderstood the term. CCTV footage showed Guy placing his hand on Deeming’s upper back as they leaned in to talk. Police investigated and found “no offence detected.” Guy told reporters in June that Deeming owed him a public apology, stating, “Moira Deeming owes me a public apology. I’m owed an apology by the premier and the attorney-general.”
Background of Controversy
Deeming’s first term in Victorian Parliament has been fraught with controversy. Elected in 2022, she was expelled from the party room in 2023 after attending a rally that was gatecrashed by neo-Nazis. She successfully sued former leader John Pesutto for defamation after he wrongly implied she was associated with the neo-Nazis. She was readmitted to the Liberal Party in December 2024 after Pesutto was replaced as leader by Brad Battin. Earlier in March, Deeming had been ousted from the number one spot by Dinesh Gourisetty, who was later dumped.
