Claims that cabinet discussed the future of Victorian Liberal frontbencher Mary Wooldridge are, the premier says, “an absolute load of bulltish”.

Ms Wooldridge’s seat of Doncaster was abolished in an electoral redistribution, and she will now contest the seat of Kew. However, she faces a challenge to win preselection.

Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews claimed in question time Ms Wooldridge’s future had been discussed by cabinet and a resolution was made that all government media opportunities in coming weeks be focused on securing her future.

Premier Denis Napthine said the suggestion was “absolutely and utterly wrong”.

“An absolute load of bulltish,” he said.

“Wrong, wrong and wrong again.”[polldaddy poll=7814679]

Dr Napthine said on Tuesday Ms Wooldridge, the community services minister, would win preselection.

“She will win the preselection,” he told reporters.

“There is no doubt Mary Wooldridge is one of our rising stars.

“She is an outstanding contributor. She has been promoted to the frontbench in a very short space of time.”

Ms Wooldridge’s preselection challenger, 30-year-old Tim Smith, is a former mayor of Stonnington and is seen as a rising star in the party.