Key Takeaways
- Deputy Victorian Liberal Leader Sam Groth has announced his retirement from politics and will not contest the 2026 election.
- Groth cited "public pressure" on his family and challenges within the Liberal Party as reasons for his decision to step away from parliament.
- The former tennis pro has served as the MP for Nepean since 2022 and was selected as Deputy Leader in December 2024.
- Groth’s decision to retire has been met with mixed reactions, with Opposition Leader Jess Wilson respecting his decision and Acting Premier Ben Carroll criticizing the Liberal Party’s infighting.
- Groth’s time in public life has been marked by controversy, including a highly publicized legal battle with a newspaper over his relationship with his wife.
Introduction to Sam Groth’s Retirement
Deputy Victorian Liberal Leader Sam Groth has announced that he will be retiring from politics and will not contest the 2026 election. The former tennis pro cited "public pressure" placed on his family and challenges within the Liberal Party as the reasons for his decision to step away from parliament. Groth, who has served as the MP for Nepean since 2022, stated that the public pressure on his family has been significant, and realizing that some of it came from within his own party has been difficult to ignore. This realization has forced him to reflect on his role in parliament and ultimately decide to retire.
Reasons for Retirement
Groth’s decision to retire from politics is a significant one, and he has been open about the reasons behind it. He stated that he entered public life to serve his community, represent the Mornington Peninsula, and stand up for what he believes is in the best interests of Victorians. However, he found that fighting against his own team made it impossible to put those interests first. Groth emphasized that this is not the standard he came into public life to accept, and it is not the kind of politics Victorians deserve. He also mentioned that the public pressure on his family, particularly his wife Brittany, has been significant, and he feels that it is time for him to prioritize their well-being.
Reaction from Liberal Party Leader
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has responded to Groth’s announcement, stating that the internal partyroom conflicts referenced by Groth are in the past. Wilson emphasized that she respects Groth’s decision to stand down and thanks him for his service to the party. She acknowledged that politics can be tough on individuals and their families, but she is focused on ensuring that the Liberal Party is focused on the needs of the Victorian people at the next election. Wilson’s response suggests that she is attempting to downplay the significance of Groth’s departure and the infighting within the party.
Criticism from Acting Premier
Acting Premier Ben Carroll has taken a different approach, criticizing the Liberal Party’s infighting and suggesting that Groth spent more time fighting his own side than he did fighting for Victorians. Carroll stated that Groth’s retirement announcement lays bare the true state of the Victorian Liberal Party, which he believes is more focused on internal conflicts than serving the people of Victoria. Carroll’s comments highlight the tensions between the Liberal Party and the current government, and suggest that Groth’s departure may have significant implications for the party’s future.
Groth’s Background and Career
Before entering politics, Groth had a successful career as a professional tennis player. He entered the professional tennis circuit in 2006 and peaked at World No. 53 in the Men’s Singles in 2015. Groth also had success in doubles, reaching a career high of World No. 24 and making the semi-finals of the 2014 French Open and the 2017 Australian Open. He holds the world record for the fastest serve, hitting 263 km/h at the ATP Challenger in Busan in 2012. Groth announced his retirement from professional tennis after the 2018 Australian Open and later entered politics, winning the seat of Nepean in 2022.
Conclusion and Future Implications
Groth’s retirement from politics marks the end of an era for the Liberal Party in Victoria. His decision to step away from parliament highlights the challenges faced by politicians and their families, particularly when it comes to dealing with public pressure and internal party conflicts. As the Liberal Party looks to the future, it will be interesting to see how they respond to Groth’s departure and the criticisms leveled by Acting Premier Ben Carroll. One thing is certain, however: Sam Groth’s legacy as a tennis player and politician will be remembered for years to come, and his decision to prioritize his family’s well-being is a testament to his commitment to those who matter most.
