Southwick elected new Victorian Deputy Opposition Leader

David Southwick has been elected the new Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, with less than a year until the Victorian state election.

Southwick has represented Caulfield for fifteen years. He is the opposition spokesperson on planning, housing, building and tourism, and was also deputy leader under Matthew Guy and John Pesutto.

David Southwick said, “I’m honoured by the support of my colleagues in electing me Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party. It’s a privilege to serve alongside our Leader, Jess Wilson, as we work together to offer Victorians a strong and credible alternative at the election this November.”

Southwick easily defeated conservative contender Chris Crewther 23-6 in a party room ballot on Wednesday morning.

Liberal leader Jess Wilson said, “This is such an important year for Victorians, and I know that David is absolutely focused on our priority areas: how we will work together to ensure that we repair the economy so we drive investment back into this state, that we end the crime crisis, that we deliver world-class health care, and we restore that dream of home ownership.”

Wilson said Southwick brought “energy, enthusiasm and experience” to the role, saying he would be an “exceptional” deputy.