Napthine lawyer wins Vic Lib preselection

Premier Denis Napthine's lawyer John Pesutto has won Liberal preselection to replace former Victorian premier Ted Baillieu in the seat of Hawthorn.

Mr Pesutto was among four candidates vying for the traditionally safe Liberal seat.

He was chosen by the Liberal Party's Administrative Committee on Thursday night.

Mr Pesutto fought off Sue Smethurst, a senior journalist at The Australian Women's Weekly, as well as John Roskam, executive director of libertarian think tank the Institute of Public Affairs.

Ralph Krein, an electorate officer for Burwood MP Graham Watt, was also in the running.

Mr Baillieu will vacate the seat at the November 29 election.