VICTORIAN Coalition MP Tim McCurdy has welcomed the return of Matthew Guy as state Opposition leader, likening him to a fox terrier.
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The Nationals member for Ovens Valley believes Mr Guy will have learnt from his first stint as Liberal Party leader, which ended with him being beaten by Premier Daniel Andrews in the last state election.
"I think Matthew Guy will be a tremendous leader," Mr McCurdy said.
"Matthew has learnt that although negativity is needed in politics it's not the only way and coming out of a pandemic people want hope and vision and that's what Matthew will offer."
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Mr Guy took the job unopposed after incumbent Michael O'Brien quit the role.
"Michael is a really nice guy and I'm not saying Matthew isn't, but Michael is a very nice guy and sometimes you need a bit more fox terrier in you," Mr McCurdy said.
He added it was "just the lack of cut through" in messaging that cost Mr O'Brien.
Asked about Mr Guy's past which included a secret seafood dinner with an alleged underworld figure that resulted in the description "lobster with a mobster" was dismissive.
"I just think that's old news," Mr McCurdy said.
"It was a great throwaway line that the Labor Party came up with, but people have moved on from that."
The Liberal member for Benambra Bill Tilley was annoyed by Mr O'Brien's support for a shutdown.
On Tuesday, he rhapsodised about Mr Guy's elevation.
"I believe he will be good for the party, good for Victoria and, importantly, great for Benambra," Mr Tilley said.
"Now as a party and alternate government we must earn the trust and faith of the state and replace a Premier who has treated regional Victoria as a poor relation throughout this crisis."
