Former opposition leader John Pesutto could make a shock return to the Victorian Liberal frontbench as one of the names being floated for the prized treasury portfolio.

Other names that MPs say should be contenders to lead the opposition’s new focus on budget management include Brad Rowswell, James Newbury and even newly elected Opposition Leader Jess Wilson herself.

Wilson has unfettered authority to conduct a wholesale reshuffle of her frontbench after refusing to trade off portfolios to secure support for Tuesday’s coup. Bev McArthur, a key supporter of Wilson’s and party conservative, was elected leader of the upper house on Tuesday.

Liberal MPs and insiders, speaking anonymously to be frank about internal matters, said conversations about the new frontbench were still in their infa

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