UPDATE: Veteran Liberal MP Sam Groth has confirmed he will officially step down from his deputy leadership role next month, as the party braces for a critical reset ahead of the November state election. In a shocking announcement made earlier today, Groth revealed he will not recontest his seat in Nepean, located on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula, citing unbearable public pressure and infighting within the party.
Groth’s decision comes amid mounting tensions and a tumultuous climate within the Liberal Party. His resignation will be formally announced at the next party room meeting, scheduled for February, following significant challenges he faced during his tenure. “When you find yourself having to fight against your own team, it becomes impossible to put those interests first,” Groth stated, emphasizing the personal toll of his political battles.
The outgoing MP’s departure is particularly notable as it follows a legal dispute with one of Australia’s largest newspapers, the Herald Sun. Groth and his wife, Brittany, had previously pursued legal action against the publication over articles relating to their relationship, which intensified scrutiny on their personal lives.
Political analysts are already weighing in on the implications of Groth’s exit. Tony Barry, a former Liberal strategist, indicated that Groth’s limited recognition among voters may not significantly impact the party’s prospects. “The Victorian Liberals are still in contention for the election,” Barry noted, citing a growing desire for change against the sitting Labor government.
Groth, who made headlines as a tennis star with a record-breaking serve in 2012 and an ATP singles ranking of 53 in 2015, was elected to represent Nepean in the 2022 state election. He reclaimed the seat from Labor, which had held it by a razor-thin margin of less than one percent.
As he prepares to leave the political arena, Groth has stated he will take time to consider his next steps. The Liberal Party faces an urgent need for unity and sustained performance in the coming months if they hope to regain momentum ahead of the election.
With Groth’s departure, the path forward for the Victorian Liberals remains uncertain, but there is a palpable sense of urgency for the party to address internal conflicts and reconnect with the electorate. The next few months will be critical as they seek to regroup and present a united front in the face of an increasingly competitive political landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the situation unfolds.
