The Victorian government is in damage control a week out from the state election after sacking a candidate whose campaign was set to include an adult film star.



The Liberal party has disendorsed Nitin Gursahani as a candidate for the seat of Thomastown.



Gursahani was reportedly bringing Bollywood adult film star Sunny Leone to Melbourne to appear in a campaign event the night before the November 29 state poll.



On Saturday night, a Liberal party spokesman said this would “not reflect the values that underpin our party”.



Premier Denis Napthine was asked on Sunday whether he was embarrassed by the turn of events.



“The Liberal party manages the selection of candidates, they manage the candidates, and if issues arise, we take immediate action and that’s what we’ve done,” Dr Napthine said.



“Labor has replaced five candidates in the last 12 to 18 months – these issues arise from time to time in election period.



“The Liberal party, when these things arise, deals with it efficiently, effectively and strongly.”



Gursahani is the second Victorian Liberal to lose his candidacy just days out from the 2014 poll.



Sydenham hopeful John Varano also quit last Sunday.

• This article was amended on 19 August 2019 to remove potentially misleading information.