Liberal heavyweight asked to review Opposition Leaders office – The Age

Liberal Party heavyweight Brian Loughnane has been brought in to review Michael OBriens office amid concerns about the relationship between the Opposition Leaders staff and the wider party.

Mr OBrien asked Mr Loughnane, a former Liberal Party federal director, to assess his office after MPs complained that it was not functioning effectively 18 months out from the election.

Former Liberal Party director Brian Loughnane. Credit:Louise Kennerley

The Opposition Leader has been in the role since 2018 when he took over from Matthew Guy after the Andrews governments landslide election victory. In March, Mr OBrien survived an attempted leadership challenge from Gembrook MP Brad Battin.

Following the challenge, Mr OBrien and his allies contacted colleagues to discuss any concerns that prompted the unrest. Seven MPs confirmed to The Age that they raised internal problems stemming from OBriens office, citing poor communication and difficulties when trying to get meetings for stakeholders and would-be donors.

Its Stalinesque, you cant get in, one backbencher told The Age.

The MPs, who spoke to The Age on the condition of anonymity, also raised concerns about Mr OBriens chief-of-staff Brett Hogan who they said was working in isolation from the wider party. Mr OBrien did not respond directly to questions about Mr Hogan.

Michael OBrien took over from Matthew Guy after the 2018 election. Credit:The Age

One member of shadow cabinet welcomed the review saying it was a sign Mr OBrien wanted to sharpen his message and build a better team ahead of next years state election. Michael needs good people around him to support him. Some of his staff have done awesome jobs but there are many people who are constantly letting him down.

This shows he isnt willing to wait for a post-election review to find out what didnt work.

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Liberal heavyweight asked to review Opposition Leaders office - The Age