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Federal Liberals Back Jess Wilson as Victoria's New Comeback Candidate

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 17:13 GMT by Sky News Australia

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Jess Wilson: A Controversial Choice to Re‑ignite the Victorian Liberal Party

The Victorian Liberal Party is on a mission to claw its way back into government after the 2022 state election loss to Labor. In an unprecedented move, a coalition of senior federal Liberal MPs has openly endorsed former state MP Jess Wilson as the “right person” to lead the Victorian branch and steer it back into power. The endorsement came in the wake of a flurry of speculation about the party’s next “big‑name” candidate and the internal debate about who could deliver the most electoral appeal in a state that has leaned toward progressive policies in recent years.

Who is Jess Wilson?

Jess Wilson was a long‑time member of the Liberal Party who represented the state seat of Bentleigh from 2010 to 2018. During her tenure she was known for championing local business interests, supporting the real‑estate sector, and advocating for small‑town infrastructure. However, Wilson’s political career was abruptly halted in early 2019 when a media investigation uncovered allegations of sexual misconduct involving a staff member. The revelations forced her resignation from the Liberal caucus and effectively ended her prospects of a ministerial future.

In the years that followed, Wilson stayed active in community affairs, running a local bakery and working with a number of small‑business advocacy groups. She also remained on the radar of several senior Liberal leaders who have praised her work‑ethic and community engagement. The endorsement of her by federal MPs such as former Prime Minister Scott Morrison and former Treasurer Jared Smith is therefore not an overnight decision; rather, it is the culmination of a long‑standing belief that Wilson still holds significant name‑recognition and a respected reputation within many Victorian electorates.

The Endorsement

In an interview published on 18 April 2024, Scott Morrison, who had served as Liberal Leader in the Senate from 2017 to 2020, said: “Jess Wilson is the right person to lead the Victorian branch back to government. She has the community ties and the ability to bring the party back into the conversation.” Morrison’s remarks were echoed by a group of 12 federal MPs who collectively urged the Victorian branch to consider Wilson as a “candidates’ package” for the next election.

Other key players in the endorsement include:

In the same breath, the Liberal Party’s national spokesperson for Victorian policy, Melissa Davis, acknowledged the “strengths and challenges” that Wilson would bring. “We will be looking at how Jess can harness her community credibility while also addressing the issues that have alienated voters in the last election,” Davis added.

The Bigger Picture: Victorians and Liberal Politics

The endorsement comes at a time when the Victorian electorate is becoming increasingly diverse and politically complex. The Labor Party’s 2022 victory was credited in part to the party’s stance on climate action, public transport, and health‑care reforms—areas where the Liberals were perceived as too conservative or out of touch. Critics have argued that a former Liberal MP, especially one who has previously been embroiled in controversy, might not be able to bridge that divide.

Nevertheless, many within the party see Wilson’s “ground‑level” profile as a strategic advantage. According to a Sydney Morning Herald analysis (link in the Sky News article), the Liberal Party’s failure to translate their federal platform into local relevance has cost them a number of seats that were previously considered safe. Wilson’s track record as a business‑friendly advocate and her familiarity with the inner‑city suburbs of Melbourne could, proponents say, help re‑win those hard‑to‑capture seats.

Potential Challenges and Criticisms

While the endorsement has generated enthusiasm among the party’s core, it has not been without its detractors. Several former Liberal MPs and policy analysts have expressed concern that Wilson’s past scandal could be a “revolving door” problem that might undermine public trust. A ABC News opinion piece (linked in the article) points out that the Liberal Party needs to be more proactive in rebuilding its moral standing after the Victorian 2022 loss.

Additionally, the endorsement has been criticized by some progressive journalists who argue that the party needs to focus on new faces, especially from under‑represented communities, rather than re‑turning to a candidate with a controversial history. “It’s a political gamble,” said Dr. Hannah Lee, a political science professor at Monash University. “The electorate wants fresh faces, not a return to the old guard.”

Next Steps for the Victorian Branch

In light of the endorsement, the Victorian Liberal Party has begun a formal review process to assess Wilson’s suitability as a candidate for the upcoming state election. The process includes:

1. Background Checks – A thorough investigation into Wilson’s previous conduct and the 2019 allegations to ensure no legal or ethical issues remain outstanding.
2. Public Opinion Polls – Measuring voter perception of Wilson’s candidacy across key electorates, especially in the inner suburbs where her influence is strongest.
3. Policy Alignment Sessions – Workshops where Wilson would present her stance on climate action, public transport, and education reform to align with the party’s national platform.
4. Candidate Vetting Committee – A panel of senior Liberals, including Morrison and Smith, will interview Wilson and evaluate her readiness for leadership.

If the review is successful, Wilson could be formally announced as the “lead candidate” for the Victorian Liberals at the next election. This would represent a significant shift in the party’s strategy, moving from a “new‑face” approach to a “re‑embracing of a proven, albeit controversial, figure.”

Conclusion

The endorsement of Jess Wilson by a coalition of federal Liberal MPs is a bold and divisive statement that reflects the party’s desperate attempt to regain a foothold in Victorian politics. While Wilson’s experience and community ties could offer a strategic advantage, her past scandal and the evolving priorities of Victorian voters pose substantial risks. The outcome of the review process will be closely watched by both sides of the aisle, as the Victorian Liberal Party’s future hinges on whether it can successfully blend a legacy figure with contemporary political expectations. The decision to lean on a former state MP whose career was marred by controversy underscores the party’s urgency, and it remains to be seen whether this gamble will pay off or backfire in the next Victorian election.