Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy has appointed his childhood friend and best man at his wedding, Nick McGowan, as his new chief of staff.
Mr McGowan, who has been preselected as a Liberal candidate for the upper house, will take over from Mitch Catlin, who resigned last week after he asked a billionaire donor to pay more than $100,000 to his private business.
It is not a new role for Mr McGowan, who was Mr Guy's chief of staff when he was planning minister in 2010.
In his 2006 maiden speech to parliament, Mr Guy thanked Mr McGowan and described him as one of his "good friends".
"Across more than three decades of involvement in Liberal politics, Nick has distinguished himself with his strong work ethic, determination and enthusiasm," Mr Guy said.
"Nick's core beliefs are Liberal ones. He believes in equality, individual responsibility and reward for effort."
Mr McGowan was preselected to run for the Liberal Party in the North Eastern Metropolitan Region in the second winnable spot last month, beating out former federal MP Gladys Liu.
Mr Guy said Mr McGowan would not campaign for his personal election during ordinary work hours and would take leave when he lodged his nomination with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).
The VEC nomination deadline for candidates who have been endorsed by a political party is November 10.
"Upon commencing in this position, Nick's first task will be to develop a Code of Conduct for Opposition Staff in Victoria," Mr Guy said in a statement.
"Like so many Victorians, Nick understands the importance of the upcoming election and brings a total focus on delivering real solutions for all Victorians."
During a press conference on Monday morning, Mr Guy refused to answer questions about last week's events and whether Mr Catlin was interstate.
"That's last week, I'm not answering anything, I don't need to answer any more on that thank you," he said.
The appointment has already caused some frustration inside the Liberal Party, with one Liberal MP, who did not want to be named, labelling the move a "shocker" and "a job for a mate".
They said it sent a "poor message" to the party's other candidates that they did not need to bother campaigning until they lodged their nomination.
