Reported at www.thenewdaily.com.au: Victorian Liberal leader John Pesutto faces a possible leadership vote as early as Friday due to internal party tensions, particularly regarding the exclusion of expelled MP Moira Deeming.

A petition signed by senior MPs calls for a special meeting to resolve the issue, with former police officer Brad Battin positioned as a likely successor to Pesutto.

Following a court ruling against Pesutto for defamatory comments about Deeming, a leadership challenge could occur during the holiday period.