Victorian Liberal president Phil Davis has told members that if the party can’t unify and put aside infighting, it will never be able to govern.

Davis faced a challenge for the leadership from his predecessor Greg Mirabella but was re-elected on Saturday.

The party has been fractured over a loan to former leader John Pesutto. Separately, former state director Stuart Smith resigned this week over derogatory WhatsApp messages leaked to the media.

“The last week has not been the highlight of my life, or the presidency, to be blunt. And I hope we don’t see the likes of it ever again,” Davis told party faithful on Saturday afternoon once votes were counted.

Members are gathering at Moonee Valley Racecourse this weekend for the party’s state council.

Davis was re-elected with about 490 vote

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