The Victorian Liberal Party’s Western Metropolitan Region preselection contest has reopened just days after a dramatic leadership shake-up involving Moira Deeming and Dinesh Gourishetty.
The party relaunched the preselection process, opening applications from 11:59 pm on 31 March until 12 pm on 2 April, in a rushed bid to stabilise its ticket ahead of the next state election.
The Australia Today understands three applications have been received for the top position, including businessman Bobby Lakhra, former federal candidate Tim Beddoe and incumbent MP Moira Deeming, who is now fighting to retain her political future.
Party insiders say the contest is shaping into a high-stakes battle, with strong indications the final race could come down to Bobby Lakhra and Moira Deeming.
Earlier in a 24-hour high-power drama on Sunday-Monday morning, sitting MP Moira Deeming was defeated in preselection by Dinesh Gourishetty, only for the party to later disendorse Gourishetty over a controversial reference letter, forcing the Liberals back to square one.
Who is Bobby Lakhra?
Lakhra, a prominent figure in Melbourne’s western suburbs, is the owner and director of a real estate agency and has built a reputation as a high-performing agent with nearly two decades of experience in the local property market.
He has been associated with the local liberal branch for the last 10 years.
Within the network, he has received multiple awards, including Gold and Silver recognition for sales performance and marketing.
Beyond business, Lakhra has positioned himself as an active community figure, sponsoring the Point Cook Soccer Club, founding a local cricket club and supporting cultural events. He has also been involved in environmental initiatives, including Clean Up Australia Day in the area.
Supporters describe him as a grassroots candidate with deep connections in Melbourne’s west, promoting a “human first” approach and strong accessibility to the community.
Meanwhile, Tim Beddoe, the Liberal candidate for the federal seat of Maribyrnong, is also in the mix. Beddoe has campaigned on a platform focused on small business support and addressing what he describes as long-standing neglect in Melbourne’s north-west suburbs.
Based in Ascot Vale, Beddoe has positioned himself as a working-class voice and has been active in local outreach, while also being seen as politically aligned with Deeming.
For Deeming, the reopened contest represents a critical fight for survival after her shock defeat in the initial preselection. Her future in the party now hinges on whether she can regain support in a contest that has exposed deep internal divisions.
The unfolding saga has raised fresh questions about stability within the Victorian Liberal Party, with repeated resets to the preselection process highlighting factional tensions and ongoing internal conflict.
With the deadline for applications now closed and deliberations underway, attention turns to who will ultimately secure the number one spot in Western Metro, a decision that could shape the party’s standing in Melbourne’s west at the next election.
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