Vic: Robert Doyle re-elected unopposed despite Libs defeat =3

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Vic: Robert Doyle re-elected unopposed despite Libs defeat =3

Mr Doyle said the party room had backed him as leader for the long term.

"There is a clear understanding among MPs that this is the team that will take us tothe next election," he said.

His statement came despite speculation that senior Liberal Louise Asher could challengeMr Doyle for the party's leadership next year.

Mr Doyle said the mood in the party room was one of anger, and discussions were blunt.

"Today in the party room we faced the smallest Liberal Party in memory of any of us,"

he told reporters.

"We recognise where we are. There can be no doubt about the seriousness of our electoralsituation."

Mr Doyle said due to the party's weakened position, there was a need for unity in the party.

"It must be a disciplined performance from every member," he said.

"And that means backing the leadership team elected today through to the next election."

Mr Doyle said the party review would cover all aspects of the Liberals' performanceduring the election, and over the past three years.

"It will be searching, there will not be a stone left unturned," he said.

"We are going to make sure that every issue is examined. All views will be heard, andthen we will look carefully at the lessons we learn from that and how we go forward."

AAP bp/clr/apm/sb

KEYWORD: POLLVIC LIBS LEADER 3 MELBOURNE