Victorian Liberal Party Drops Moira Deeming Amid Unresolved Allegations and Internal Turmoil
July 17, 2026
The Victorian Liberal Party disendorsed Moira Deeming from the No. 1 slot in the Western Metropolitan Region for the upcoming state election after she refused to apologise for allegations about a fellow party member.
The removal came after the party’s state executive voted to strip her endorsement, following failed mediation and her decision to abandon a court injunction seeking to stop the party from rescinding her candidacy.
Deeming had alleged a headlock incident with Guy, which he denies; CCTV from a May function showed contact but police found no offense and did not file charges after reviewing footage.
She maintained that she was grabbed and pulled with force, later narrowing her claim to a headlock, while police declined to press charges after reviewing CCTV.
Earlier police had investigated a May 23 incident at a Sunshine West event and found no offense, reinforcing the police stance on the matter.
The saga has been a focal point of ongoing controversy surrounding Deeming, including prior legal actions and leadership shifts within the party.
The party characterized the matter as resolved, affirming Guy’s innocence and urging focus on the election, while Deeming has not publicly commented on the decision.
The disendorsement followed an unsuccessful mediation and Deeming’s withdrawal of a supreme court challenge; the party remains united behind Guy.
Influential figures, including media commentator Peta Credlin, and related party figures distanced themselves from Deeming as the controversy affected internal support.
Despite the lack of charges, Deeming has not apologized, and frictions persist among leadership and conservative factions within the party.
A planned meeting with Deeming was cancelled after she refused to apologise, signaling further potential action by the party.
Deeming had previously withdrawn a Supreme Court challenge over the disendorsement process, which followed the May incident involving Guy.
Summary based on 4 sources
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Sources

The Guardian • Jul 17, 2026
Moira Deeming disendorsed as Victorian Liberal party candidate for upcoming state election
news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site for latest headlines • Jul 17, 2026
Embattled Vic Liberal MP dumped by party
ABC News • Jul 17, 2026
Moira Deeming ousted as Liberal candidate after apology stand-off
The Age • Jul 16, 2026
Liberals set to dump Moira Deeming as candidate after court challenge backdown