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Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has refused to back Moira Deeming remaining in the Liberal Party after the controversial MP’s unfounded allegation that her colleague, Matthew Guy, assaulted her.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Wilson reiterated her support for Guy’s demand of a public apology from Deeming, after a police investigation found no substance to her allegation that the former Liberal leader had assaulted her at a community function last month.
The Opposition Leader said she had not spoken to Deeming over the phone about her future, but planned to meet with her in person once she arrived back in Victoria from an overseas conference.
Wilson was asked twice if she believed there was a place for Deeming in the Liberal Party, and both times refused to confirm whether she supported Deeming staying in the fold. Instead, Wilson said she would “have those conversations with Moira when she returns” in coming days.
Several senior Liberal figures, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal party matters, told The Age that Deeming’s unsubstantiated accusations against Guy had exhausted the patience of even her most loyal supporters, and she was now completely isolated from the party.
A senior member of Wilson’s team was emphatic: “She must resign or the party must act. She cannot possibly be our candidate going into November.”
Deeming was preselected two months ago to recontest her upper house seat at November’s state election.
The Opposition Leader also refused to comment on what she would say to Deeming when they met in person, or when exactly her office became aware of the MP’s complaint against Guy.
“I am very confident that my office at all times handled this appropriately,” Wilson said.
Deeming had accused Guy of assaulting her by putting her in a headlock during a public dinner on May 23. CCTV footage from inside the Macedonian community event instead showed an innocuous interaction in which Guy briefly put his arm on Deeming’s shoulder as the pair leaned forward to hear one another in the middle of a crowded room.
Deeming lodged a complaint with Victoria Police on June 16. Guy was not questioned by police before the force ended its investigation on Thursday and confirmed it had not identified any offence.
Addressing the media on Friday, Guy said there was “no ambiguity” in the security camera footage.
