Key Takeaways
- Victorian Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Groth has announced his decision to exit state politics and will not contest the November election.
- Groth’s decision comes after he faced public pressure, including media headlines about his personal life, and claims that some of this pressure came from within his own party.
- The former tennis player turned politician has held the seat of Nepean on the Mornington Peninsula since 2022 and was deputy to former leader Brad Battin.
- Groth’s departure is seen as a surprise by some, including former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett, who believes it will have little impact on the election outcome.
- The decision will give someone else the opportunity to be elevated to the deputy leadership position.
Introduction to Sam Groth’s Decision
Victorian Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Groth has announced his decision to leave state politics, effective after the 2026 election. In a statement, Groth explained that he had made the decision after careful consideration and conversations with his wife. He stated that he could no longer continue in parliament due to the public pressure placed on his family, some of which he claimed came from within his own party. This pressure, he said, had made it impossible for him to prioritize the interests of his constituents.
Background on the Public Pressure
The public pressure on Groth’s family began in early 2025, when the Herald Sun newspaper ran a series of articles about the beginning of his relationship with his wife, Brittany. Groth sued the newspaper for defamation, and the parties eventually settled out of court, with the Herald Sun publishing an apology to the couple. Despite this, the experience had a significant impact on Groth and his family, leading to his decision to leave politics. Groth stated that he had always tried to approach his job with honesty, hard work, and a focus on his constituents, but the challenges he faced made it impossible for him to continue.
Reaction from Former Liberal Premier Jeff Kennett
Former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett expressed surprise at Groth’s decision to leave parliament after only one term. Kennett stated that he believed Groth’s departure would have little impact on the election outcome, as he was not well-known by Victorians. However, Kennett did acknowledge that public scrutiny was a significant challenge for politicians, and that it could be a difficult adjustment to make from private life to public office. Kennett also noted that Groth’s departure would create an opportunity for someone else to be elevated to the deputy leadership position.
Impact on the Party and the Election
Groth’s decision to leave politics will likely have some impact on the Liberal Party, particularly in the lead-up to the November election. As deputy leader, Groth was a key figure in the party, and his departure will create a vacancy that will need to be filled. However, as Kennett noted, Groth’s relatively short time in parliament and lack of statewide recognition may limit the impact of his departure on the election outcome. The party will need to regroup and adjust to the loss of one of its key leaders, but it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the overall result.
Conclusion and Future Plans
In conclusion, Sam Groth’s decision to leave state politics is a significant development in Victorian politics. The challenges he faced, including public pressure and scrutiny, ultimately led to his decision to exit politics. While his departure may have some impact on the Liberal Party and the election, it is unlikely to be a decisive factor. Groth has stated that he will take time over the summer to consider his future plans and opportunities, and it will be interesting to see what he decides to do next. For now, the focus will be on the Liberal Party’s efforts to regroup and prepare for the November election, with a new deputy leader and a renewed focus on the issues that matter most to Victorians.