Peter Dutton urged to differentiate Liberal party after Aston loss prompts identity crisis

Opposition leader blames state division for result, while Victorian MPs say lack of distinct policy direction hindered candidate

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Liberal MPs have urged Peter Dutton to differentiate the party with fresh policies on home ownership and emissions reduction, after the “bitterly disappointing” once-in-a-century byelection loss in Aston.

Despite his poor standing in Victoria and metro seats, Dutton’s leadership is safe for now, with members mostly blaming the Albanese government’s honeymoon period and a threadbare policy agenda for Roshena Campbell’s loss to Labor’s Mary Doyle.

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