Moira Deeming, a prominent Victorian Liberal MP, is facing a preselection challenge, with a former journalist and a prominent Indian community figure in Melbourne reportedly vying to run against Renee Heath. The preselection process, which closes on January 14, is crucial as it determines the candidates for the upper house in the upcoming state election. Deeming's supporters are confident she will not go down without a fight, highlighting her successful defamation case against John Pesutto, the former opposition leader. However, the party loaned Pesutto $1.5 million to cover the $2.3 million in legal costs, which is now subject to a court challenge. Dinesh Gourisetty, a well-known figure in Melbourne's Indian community, is one of the potential challengers. He previously ran in the 2022 preselection and has built significant support across the western suburbs branches. Meanwhile, Ann-Marie Hermans, another Liberal MP, is also facing a challenge in the southeast metropolitan region. Several candidates, including Nathan Conroy, Phillip Pease, and Manju Hanumantharayappa, are in the running for the top spot on the ticket. Conroy is also being considered for a different seat after the resignation of Sam Groth, the party's deputy leader. The preselection process is a heated debate, with supporters and opponents arguing over the candidates' qualifications and principles. As the preselection nominations close, the Victorian Liberal Party is gearing up for a potentially contentious election, with the outcome impacting the state's political landscape.
