Home

Victorian Liberal leader Matthew Guy undergoes rebrand ahead of election

Holly HalesNCA NewsWire
Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy is now referred to as Matt in media releases. NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw
Camera IconVictorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy is now referred to as Matt in media releases. NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw Credit: News Corp Australia

Victoria’s Opposition Leader has undergone a rebrand, three months out from the state’s next election.

Matthew Guy, or “Matt” as he’s now referred to in media releases, has made the switch in an apparent attempt to convert voters before they head to the polls in November.

It comes as Nick McGowan took over as Mr Guy’s chief of staff last week amid a string of movements from senior party figures.

VICTORIAN PARLIAMENT
Camera IconVictorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy is now referred to as Matt in media releases. NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw Credit: News Corp Australia

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

The horror fortnight included revelations that Mr Guy’s then chief of staff Mitch Catlin asked for more than $100,000 in payments to his private business from a donor.

The donor would have been required to pay $8333 a month under a proposed contract with marketing company Catchy Media Marketing and Management, Mr Catlin’s private business.

Mr Catlin resigned from his role as Mr Guy’s chief of staff soon after the scandal was revealed.

Director of communications Lee Anderson left his job early last week, with Mr Guy’s diary manager stepping down a day later.

However, Mr Guy rebuffed the name change during a press conference at The Alfred hospital on Sunday.

“I don’t mind, you can call me whatever you like,” he told reporters.

Online, some Victorians weren’t as relaxed about the change.

PREMIER PRESSER
Camera IconDaniel Andrews became known by some as ‘Dan’ shortly before the 2014 election. NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw Credit: News Corp Australia

“Yikes, this campaign is just becoming embarrassing,” one user wrote.

Mr Guy is not the first opposition leader to attempt a pre-election rebrand, with Premier Daniel Andrews taking a similar approach before the 2014 election.

Mr Andrews’ team adopted the widespread use of “Dan” in an attempt to familiarise voters with their future premier.

When asked about his opponent’s rebrand on Sunday, Mr Andrews simply said he “doesn’t think” about Mr Guy.

The Victorian state election is set to take place on Saturday, November 26.

Originally published as Victorian Liberal leader Matthew Guy undergoes rebrand ahead of election

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails