A LIBERAL Party elder statesman has slammed former premier Jeff Kennett for contributing to the chorus of criticism that helped trigger this week's downfall of Ted Baillieu.
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Former Liberal state director and long-time Baillieu ally John Ridley said he was dismayed by Mr Kennett's criticisms of the Coalition government last month, when Mr Baillieu faced mounting pressure on multiple political fronts.
Mr Kennett, a Baillieu mentor and ally, launched a stinging critique of Mr Baillieu's communication skills and his government's media strategy, insisting the government's ability to sell its message was ''far from good enough''.
''I don't think they are good communicators,'' Mr Kennett told 3AW last month. ''I never get the impression he [Baillieu] is comfortable enough with the media; I never get the impression that he wants to be with you.''
At the time, Mr Kennett homed in on the government's failure to explain itself over major projects and industrial relations, including the dispute with the state's teachers.
Mr Ridley said he believed the comments had hurt his friend. ''I found it extremely disappointing. Ted has always respected Jeffrey and I thought the reverse was true.
''Ted has always attached huge importance to loyalty and I wouldn't be surprised if he was shocked when someone to whom he had given so much loyalty came out with those remarks.
''I don't understand why he [Kennett] would have done that in the way he did.''
Mr Ridley's comments come as Victorian Liberals continue to digest the events of one of the most tumultuous weeks in their history, which included Mr Baillieu's replacement by former leader Denis Napthine.
Liberal insiders have told Fairfax Media Mr Kennett was trying to help rather than harm Mr Baillieu; that with improved communication he could rise above problems hounding him, including criticism of him as a ''do-nothing'' premier.
Mr Kennett is overseas and not available for comment.
Mr Ridley also slammed the actions of MPs and party members who had destabilised the Baillieu administration, describing them as ''political pygmies''. While he would not name the MPs, it was clear that chief among them was renegade Frankston MP Geoff Shaw.
Mr Kennett was instrumental in encouraging Mr Baillieu to run for the safe seat of Hawthorn in 1999 after he had served as Liberal president from 1994.
Mr Ridley was state director of the Liberal Party from 1984 to 1987.
