Moira Deeming leaves Victoria Liberals after disendorsement

An outspoken former Victorian Liberal MP who sued ex-leader John Pesutto and was disendorsed by the party after accusing another MP of assault will leave politics.

In a social media post, Western Metropolitan Region MP Moira Deeming said, as of Tuesday, she had “resigned from the parliamentary Liberal Party and will sit with the crossbench as an independent”.

“My focus has always been, and will continue to be, on representing the needs and concerns of everyday Australians,” she said.

“I was elected to fight for freedom, fair laws, and families.

“To save our state from endemic corruption, crushing debt, and the rising crime crisis, Labor has got to go. I remain fully committed to seeing that through.”

It comes just hours after Victoria Premier Jacinta Allan announced she would step aside ahead of a leadership spill.

Ms Deeming made headlines when she sued former Liberal leader John Pesutto for defamation after he publicly linked her neo-Nazis following a 2023 anti-trans march.

The Federal Court ruled in Ms Deeming’s favour, and Mr Pesutto was ordered to pay more than $2.3m in legal costs.

Ms Deeming last month claimed MP Matthew Guy assaulted her at a community event – Mr Guy has strenuously denied the allegations and no findings have been made against him.

In a July 17 statement, Victorian Liberal Leader Jess Wilson said: “The State Executive of the Victorian Liberal Party has resolved that Moira Deeming will no longer represent the party as a candidate for the Western Metropolitan Region in November.

“This matter is now concluded. My singular focus remains on the issues that matter to Victorians and outlining our plan to deliver a fresh start this November.”