By Corey Everitt
Berwick MP Brad Battin has dismissed speculation that he will join another bid for leader of the opposition as murmurs spread of a renewed challenge to Pesutto’s leadership.
Reports of a challenge within the Liberal Party caucus have emerged as leader John Pesutto is facing increasing pressure from a defamation case from former Liberal MP Moira Deeming. Two more defamation cases have been filed against Pesutto from organisers of the rally Deeming attended.
Several names within the party have been speculated as contenders, Battin has challenged for leadership more than once, the most recent against Pesutto after the State election defeat saw the party room swayed against Battin by just a single vote. However, reports say the momentum of the potential leadership spill is being driven by Nepean MP Sam Groth.
Battin fielded questions regarding the speculation through the weekend and as reported by multiple outlets such as the Herald Sun, he expressed no interest in challenging for leadership at this stage.
He may not have his sights on the highest office in his party, but he is certainly moving into an office of some kind, specifically his long-awaited electorate office.
Battin announced he and his electoral team is set to move into their new office on Wheelers Street, Berwick on Thursday and Friday this week with the official opening of the office Monday 25 March.
He has been without an office for over a year ever since he nominated for the Berwick electorate after his Officer office was vacated after the Gembrook electorate was abolished.
In that time, Battin has been hopping between local businesses in a mobile office, the process to get a permanent office conducted by Parliamentary offices took more than a year with frustrations and disputes shared with the legislative assembly and beyond as Berwick constituents had no easy way to find their local MP in person.
The office will open on 9am Monday, the address is Shop 2, 4-6 Wheelers Street, Berwick, just off High Street.
