Victorian Liberals raise ‘faith values’ and Labor-style broad appeal in jostle for party’s leadership

Possible contenders for the Victorian Liberal leadership: Ryan Smith, Richard Riordan, Matthew Bach, Brad Battin and John Pesutto. Photograph: Aap Image/AAP

Two leadership aspirants of the Victorian Liberals have offered their alternative visions for the party’s future after Saturday’s crushing election loss – with one spruiking his “broad appeal” and the other vowing to protect “faith values” and limiting the impact of climate policies on outer suburban households.

The Liberal’s candidate in Hawthorn, John Pesutto, and the Warrandyte MP, Ryan Smith, have emerged as frontrunners for the party’s leadership after Matthew Guy announced he would step down from the role.