Victorian Liberal MP Sam Groth has announced he will not continue in Parliament beyond the 2026 state election, saying recent pressure on his family has been “significant” and alleging some of it came from within his own party.
In a written statement released on Monday, the Nepean MP said he had informed the Leader of the Opposition of his decision after “many conversations” with his wife and “a great deal of personal thought”.
I have decided that I cannot continue in Parliament beyond the 2026 election.
Groth said he entered public life to serve his community and represent the Mornington Peninsula, but said internal conflict had made it difficult to put constituents first.
The public pressure placed on my family in recent months has been significant and realising that some of it came from within my own party has been difficult to ignore.
Herald Sun apology followed legal action
Groth’s announcement comes after months of scrutiny and media coverage, including a public apology published by the Herald Sun in November 2025 as part of the settlement of defamation proceedings brought by Groth and his wife, Brittany Groth.
The apology followed articles published in 2025 that questioned the timeline of their relationship. The matter was settled, with reporting at the time noting the articles were removed and a formal apology issued.
Party pressure with election less than 12 months away
Groth’s decision creates an immediate vacancy for the Liberals in Nepean and adds to instability inside the state opposition ahead of the next election on the 28 November 2026. That date is 327 days from today (05/01/2026).
The Victorian Liberals have faced sustained internal tension in recent years, including fallout from the party’s defamation dispute involving former leader John Pesutto and MP Moira Deeming. Groth resigned from the opposition frontbench in December 2024 following the Federal Court finding Pesutto had defamed Deeming, and days later the partyroom removed Pesutto and elected Brad Battin as leader, with Groth elected deputy. In November 2025, the Liberals again changed leadership, ousting Battin and electing Kew MP Jess Wilson as leader.
Groth has also previously been the subject of scrutiny over his use of a taxpayer-funded chauffeured vehicle for travel from the Australian Open in January 2024, which he defended at the time as within the rules.
Hastings candidate yet to be announced
The Victorian Liberal Party is yet to announce a candidate for the seat of Hastings, as local campaigning ramps up across the Peninsula and Western Port region.
In his statement, Groth said he would not be making any further comment and would take time over summer with his family to consider what comes next.
