Victorian Liberal MP Kevin Andrews loses preselection for seat of Menzies

Veteran Victorian Liberal MP Kevin Andrews has lost preselection for the federal seat of Menzies in Melbourne.

He was defeated by commando-turned-barrister Keith Wolahan at a preselection ballot of members.

Mr Andrews had been backed by senior MPs including Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

He is the first sitting Victorian Liberal MP to be ousted by members in more than two decades.

The preselection was due to be held last year but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Liberals were predicting a close race but expected the status quo to prevail given it is rare for sitting MPs to be dumped. 

But sources say Mr Wolahan won by 181-111 votes.

More to come.