Nepean By-election: Preselection Sparks Liberal Party Dispute

A by-election in Nepean, Victoria, triggered by the resignation of former deputy Victorian leader Sam Groth, has ignited an internal dispute within the Liberal party regarding candidate selection. Local branch members will not participate in the preselection process, a decision causing significant internal friction.

The by-election marks the first significant challenge for Liberal leader Jess Wilson, who assumed the role in November with a stated objective to unify the party.

The Preselection Process

A majority of the party's state executive is expected to endorse Mornington Peninsula mayor, Anthony Marsh, for the Nepean seat. Marsh joined the Liberal party on February 10 and, just two days later, received special dispensation to seek preselection, circumventing the standard 12-month membership requirement.

The ultimate candidate selection will be determined by the 18-member state executive and six members of the Nepean local executive, rather than through a ballot of local branch members. Marsh has confirmed his application.

Marsh's Background and Other Contenders

Marsh emphasizes his deep, long-standing connection to the electorate, highlighting his education, residency, business, and extensive local government roles, including his current position as mayor.

Other candidates reportedly vying for preselection include David Burgess, Briony Camp, Nathan Conroy, and Bree Ambry.

Internal Justifications and Frustration

Senior Liberal sources indicated that bypassing a full branch plebiscite was necessary due to time constraints, which could take up to three weeks to organize. They also noted the active presence of rival parties in the lead-up to the by-election.

Supporters of Marsh highlighted his strong performance in the 2024 local government elections, where he secured an impressive 70.43% of first-preference votes in his ward. This result suggests his potential ability to compete effectively against independent candidates in the by-election.

However, the decision to bypass local branch members has caused frustration within the local branch, which had already expressed discontent over Groth's early departure.

Concerns were also raised regarding the financial cost of the by-election to both the Liberal party and taxpayers. Some members drew parallels between Marsh's special dispensation and a similar allowance previously granted to Sam Groth, further fueling internal disquiet.

The Electoral Landscape

Nepean is considered a safe Liberal seat, currently holding a 6.4% margin. One Nation has confirmed it will field a candidate, and Independents for Mornington Peninsula are actively seeking a contender. The Labor party is not expected to participate, consistent with its practice of not contesting byelections in seats it does not hold.