Opposition Leader Brad Battin has rejected suggestions his high-risk reshuffle would inflame tensions in the Liberal party room, repeatedly declaring the “enthusiasm” of the overhauled shadow cabinet would deliver a “fresh start” for Victorians.

Battin on Saturday unveiled his new frontbenchers Richard Welch, Nicole Werner and Nick McGowan – three MPs in their first term of parliament – at the expense of Roma Britnell and filling the vacancies created by the pending retirements of Michael O’Brien and David Hodgett.

McGowan also confirmed an open secret that he would seek to move to the lower house at the November 2026 election, having nominated for preselection in Ringwood. That seat is currently held by ex-Labor MP-turned-crossbencher Will Fowles.

As The Age revealed on Friday , Ba

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