New Challenger to Liberal Leader in Kew

0:00On March 20th, here's the latest out of Sydney. Victorian Liberal leader Jess Wilson faces a new challenger in her Q-seed from former Burandara Mayor, Sophie Torney. The Q-independence group picked Torney eight months before polling day, aiming to build momentum after she took 21% of the vote, and finished third there in the 2022 state election. Torney, a mother of three who's lived in Q for over 25 years, gained visibility as mayor since then. Her campaign follows the grassroots voices model, similar to teal independence federally, with possible support from groups like climate 200, though they struggled a nearby seats last time. Liberals criticized these efforts as coordinated attacks on their MPs, but Torney sees widespread frustration with major parties. Recent polling shows 42% backing minors or independence, labor at 28%, and the coalition at 30%, signaling A, volatile race, housing looms large in Q and Baldwin, where state plans allow taller buildings around Q junction.

1:03Torney agrees more homes are needed, but calls for better support for builders and stronger rules to include affordable options. This early contest could distract Wilson as she leads her party, especially with questions about stability and appeal to women voters, setting up a tight fight in one of Victoria's key battlegrounds.