Victorian opposition leader accused of trashing activist’s reputation in second defamation suit

Kellie-Jay Keen lodges statement of claim as state Liberal leader John Pesutto says he will ‘vigorously contest’ the legal proceeding

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The British activist Kellie-Jay Keen has formally commenced defamation proceedings against the Victorian opposition leader, John Pesutto, alleging he trashed her reputation during his campaign to expel Moira Deeming from the Liberal party room.

Keen, who is also known as Posie Parker, lodged her statement of claim against Pesutto in the federal court late on Monday, in which she accused the Liberal leader of “engaging in a calculated and purposeful media campaign” against her to “justify his proposed expulsion” of Deeming.

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