Moira Deeming should testify to ‘hurt feelings’ caused by Victorian Liberal leader in defamation trial, lawyer says

Deeming's lawyer, Sue Chrysanthou, says her client should take the stand in case against state opposition leader John Pesutto

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Lawyers for ousted Liberal MP Moira Deeming are pushing for her to take the stand in her defamation action against the Victorian opposition leader, John Pesutto, to outline her hurt feelings", while a former MP may be forced to travel from the UK to testify.

Nearly 30 witnesses, including current and former Liberal MPs, are expected to give evidence in the trial, with federal court justice David O'Callaghan not convinced one of them - Matt Bach - should be able to testify via video link from the UK.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup