Victorian Liberal Deputy Leader Sam Groth has announced his decision not to contest the upcoming state election in November and will retire from politics after serving one term. Mr. Groth is also set to relinquish his position as the party's deputy leader next month. He cited public pressure on his family and internal Liberal Party divisions as contributing factors to his decision.
Resignation Announcement and Reasons Cited
Mr. Groth released a statement on Monday morning confirming his decision. He indicated that the public pressure placed on his family in recent months had been significant, noting that some of it originated from within his own party. He stated that realizing this prompted personal reflection.
Mr. Groth further explained that his entry into public life was intended to serve his community, represent the Mornington Peninsula, and advocate for Victorians' interests. He found that internal party conflicts made it challenging to prioritize these interests, a situation he deemed unacceptable. He described the period following a recent defamation lawsuit as "extremely challenging" for his family. Mr. Groth stated he would make no further comments and would use the summer to consider future opportunities with his family.
Leadership Transition and Shadow Portfolio Reallocation
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson confirmed on Tuesday that Mr. Groth will vacate the deputy leadership role at the upcoming Liberal party room meeting in February. Ms. Wilson communicated to Liberal Members of Parliament that Mr. Groth advised her he believes this decision is in the best interests of both the party and his family.
A vote for a new deputy leader is anticipated to occur at the same February meeting. Potential contenders for the position have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Ms. Wilson also announced the reallocation of Mr. Groth's shadow portfolios among existing members of the shadow cabinet:
- David Southwick has been assigned responsibility for tourism and major events.
- Brad Battin will oversee sport.
- Bridget Vallence has been allocated the trade and investment portfolio.
This reallocation will reduce the shadow cabinet by one member. This adjustment mirrors a similar reduction in Premier Jacinta Allan's cabinet following Natalie Hutchins' resignation late last year. The number of Shadow Ministers eligible for additional salary and expense allowances is capped at the number of Cabinet Ministers.
Background on Defamation Lawsuit
Mr. Groth's decision not to contest his seat followed a defamation lawsuit he initiated against the Herald Sun concerning articles published in July and August last year. Lawyers for the Groths had contended that these articles incorrectly suggested their relationship commenced when his wife, Brittany, was underage.
The parties reached an out-of-court settlement in November last year. The settlement included the Herald Sun issuing an apology to Mr. Groth and his wife, Brittany, the retraction of the articles, and an undisclosed financial payment. Concurrently, his wife had initiated legal action under a statutory tort addressing serious invasions of privacy.
Political and Professional Career
Mr. Groth was elected to state parliament in 2022 as the Member for Nepean, securing a 7.15% swing to the Liberals and 48.1% of first-preference votes. He was elevated to deputy Liberal leader in December 2024 during Brad Battin's challenge against John Pesutto and retained this position after Jess Wilson assumed party leadership in November. Mr. Groth had been identified as a significant contributor to party donations and had previously expressed aspirations for the premiership.
Prior to entering politics, Mr. Groth had a professional tennis career from 2006 to 2018. He holds the world record for the fastest tennis serve, recorded at 263 km/h in 2012. He represented Australia in various international tournaments, including the Olympics, and achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 53 in 2015 and a doubles ranking of World No. 24. His achievements include reaching the semi-finals of the 2014 French Open in doubles and the 2017 Australian Open in mixed doubles with Sam Stosur. He retired from professional tennis after the 2018 Australian Open.
Reactions from Political Figures
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson described Mr. Groth's decision as "disappointing" following a meeting on Monday. She acknowledged the demanding nature of politics for individuals and their families. Ms. Wilson declined to address Mr. Groth's claims of party infighting, categorizing them as "historical matters" that predated her leadership. She stated that these issues were for Mr. Groth to discuss and affirmed her focus on Victorian constituents, respecting his request for privacy for his family.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll commented that Mr. Groth's announcement indicated an increased level of division within the Liberal Party. Mr. Carroll asserted that Mr. Groth's experience in the Victorian Liberal Party highlighted internal conflicts and suggested that Mr. Groth had focused more on internal party disputes than on advocating for Victorians. He expressed good wishes for Mr. Groth's future and stated that Groth's comments revealed the "true state of the Victorian Liberal Party."