Victorian Liberals unite ahead of November state election

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 21:24 · Archive

Victoria's Liberal Party, reunified after factional divisions, prepares for November's state election under leader Jess Wilson.

Victoria's Liberal Party has reunified after 12 years in opposition and factional divisions, preparing for November's state election under leader Jess Wilson, the party's first millennial leader.

Polling conducted in September by Resolve Political Monitor shows Labor on a steady 25 per cent primary vote, the Liberal-National coalition on 27 per cent (up one point), and One Nation on 23 per cent. If an election were held at that time, the coalition would be best positioned to form a minority government, according to pollster Tony Barry, a former Liberal strategist.

However, Barry cautioned that campaigns remain decisive. He pointed to the 2025 federal election, where the coalition held a polling lead under then-leader Peter Dutton but suffered a poor campaign, leading to Labor's return with an increased majority. Dutton lost his own seat and his political career. 'The future is unwritten, there's still seven weeks to go and campaigns still matter,' Barry told the Australian Associated Press.

How it is being reported

• Ready to rule? Liberals' high-stakes bet on unityThe future is unwritten for a hungry opposition desperate to take office, with questions lingering over its readiness after a decade on the sidelines.The West Australian · 10 Oct, 21:02
• Ready to rule? Liberals' high-stakes bet on unityThe future is unwritten for a hungry opposition desperate to take office, with questions lingering over its readiness after a decade on the sidelines.Perth Now · 10 Oct, 21:02

In this story: Jess Wilson · Peter Dutton · Tony Barry · John Howard · Liberal Party · Labor Party · Victoria

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