Moderate John Pesutto to ramp up Victorian Liberal leadership campaign after securing seat

Brad Battin and Richard Riordan make up contenders in three-way contest after Ryan Smith withdraws

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Three candidates are vying to take over the leadership of the Victorian Liberals after its crushing loss in the state election, including the moderates' great hope John Pesutto, who has reclaimed the seat of Hawthorn for the party.

Pesutto is likely to ramp up efforts to win over his colleagues in the coming days, after a tight race against teal independent candidate, Melissa Lowe, who on Wednesday congratulated the former shadow attorney general on his successful campaign.

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