Liberal MP considers challenging John Pesutto's leadership amid Deeming defamation trial
A veteran Liberal MP has been asked to lead the push to replace Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto amid his high-profile defamation case against expelled member Moira Deeming.
Rowville MP Kim Wells has told 9News he has been approached by colleagues to run for the job and is considering the request.
Wells has been in parliament since 1992 and worked as treasurer under former premier Ted Baillieu in 2010.
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Rowville MP Kim Wells. AAP
He has been backing Deeming in her fight against Pesutto but last month told reporters: "I will always support the leader" of the party.
Premier Jacinta Allan was quizzed on how she would handle Wells as her opposition.
"The chaos and the distrust in the Liberal Party is absolutely a matter for the Liberal Party," she said.
Today, Baillieu threw his "full support" behind Pesutto and said: "He has all the right qualities to be leader and has clearly demonstrated them."
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Opposition Leader John Pesutto may soon be fighting for his job. Wayne Taylor
Up and coming frontbencher shadow education minister Jess Wilson, who stressed she has had no conversations about being the potential deputy leader, also offered words of encouragement to Pessuto.
"I support John and believe he should remain leader and will remain leader," she said.
"Every one of my colleagues should be and is focused on doing the job, to making sure we are presenting an alternative government to the Victorian people."
Wells will mull his decision ahead of the Liberal party room meeting.
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