Key Takeaways:
- Sam Groth’s tenure as a Liberal MP was marked by his struggles with the scrutiny of parliamentary life and the party’s discomfort with his outsider status.
- Groth brought valuable skills to the party, including his ability to connect with people and fundraise, but his personal life was subject to intense scrutiny.
- The party’s infighting and resentment towards Groth ultimately led to his exit, which has blown a hole in the Opposition Leader’s claim of a fresh start and a united team.
- Groth’s decision to remain as deputy leader until the election has put the party in a difficult position and may lead to further public bloodletting.
Introduction to Sam Groth’s Parliamentary Career
Sam Groth’s career as a Liberal MP was marked by his struggles to adapt to the demands of parliamentary life. Despite his initial enthusiasm, he soon found himself overwhelmed by the grinding pace of opposition politics. His colleagues noted that he underestimated the time commitment required and was often forced to put his personal life on hold, including being recalled from a family holiday in Fiji to vote in a leadership spill. However, Groth also brought unique skills to the party, including his ability to connect with people and fundraise.
Groth’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Groth’s ability to work a room and speak fluently to people from all walks of life was a valuable asset to the party. He was also recognizable and had a certain level of celebrity status, which can be an advantage in politics. On election morning in 2022, two first-time voters were overheard discussing Groth, who was then just the candidate for Nepean, and referred to him as "the guy with the big serve". This kind of cut-through is invaluable in politics. However, Groth’s personal life was subject to intense scrutiny, and he struggled with the constant examination of his social behavior. He faced accountability for his use of taxpayer-funded resources, including a car to shuttle him and his wife home from the Australian Open and a trip to Adelaide for the LIV Golf tournament.
Scrutiny and Personal Life
The scrutiny on Groth’s personal life was far less forgiving than anything he faced as an elite athlete. In November, he and his wife, Brittany, settled a legal case against the Herald Sun over articles alleging that their relationship may have begun when she was underage and under his supervision as a tennis coach. The allegations were devastating, and Groth faced suggestions that they had been fanned by MPs within his own party. The gossiping about Groth was driven by resentment towards his rapid rise to deputy leader, which irritated colleagues who had waited patiently and played the game.
Party Infighting and Groth’s Exit
The Liberal Party’s discomfort with Groth’s outsider status and his rapid rise to leadership ultimately led to his exit. Despite being voted into the leadership team, Groth never felt accepted by Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, who was seen as his natural rival and a party product. The contrast between the two was stark: insider versus outsider. The party’s infighting and resentment towards Groth had hardened into something more corrosive, and his exit has blown a sizeable hole through Wilson’s claim of a fresh start and a united team. Groth’s statement citing Liberal infighting has put the party in a difficult position, and his decision to remain as deputy leader until the election has effectively challenged the partyroom to come for him.
Implications of Groth’s Exit
The implications of Groth’s exit are significant, and the party’s fortunes may now rest on whether they want to continue to provoke someone armed with parliamentary privilege and nothing left to lose. The Liberals are entering an election year, and another round of public bloodletting is the last thing Wilson needs. Groth’s exit has also raised questions about the party’s ability to attract and retain new talent, particularly those who do not fit the traditional mold of a Liberal MP. The party’s discomfort with outsiders and its tendency to prioritize loyalty over merit may ultimately prove to be its downfall. As the party navigates this challenging time, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to recover from the damage caused by Groth’s exit and present a united front to the electorate.
