Key claims first reported by STPL News about Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh and the looming Nepean contest have now been publicly reported by a major Melbourne outlet.
STPL News published earlier reporting based on multiple senior Liberal Party sources claiming Marsh had recently joined the Liberal Party and intended to seek Liberal preselection for Nepean, with insiders warning the move was already dividing local members.
On Friday, the Mornington Peninsula Leader reported Marsh had joined the Liberal Party earlier in the week and had been granted special dispensation to apply for preselection despite not meeting a reported two-year minimum membership requirement.
Dispensation and the preselection process
The same report said the decision to allow Marsh to apply was made at state executive level and was not unanimous. It also reported the Liberal candidate would be chosen by a panel process rather than a vote of the full local membership.
STPL News previously reported senior Liberal sources warning the prospect of Marsh entering the contest as a recent member would “not sit well” with sections of the local Nepean membership, with insiders raising concerns about candidate risk and campaign impact.
Nepean by-election trigger
The Nepean contest follows Sam Groth’s resignation from Victorian Parliament, which is expected to trigger a by-election once formal steps are completed.
Groth had foreshadowed his departure earlier this month, stating he would resign “next week” in a public statement dated 3 February.
“I have no political affiliations. This is not a career for me, and I won’t disappear to run for Parliament – I am in it for the long haul” – Cr Anthony Marsh
The prospect of Mayor Anthony Marsh seeking Liberal preselection has prompted strong reaction from readers and residents across social media.
Comments on STPL News’ Facebook page show many expressing concern about the timing of a potential move into state politics, with several questioning whether the Mayor should complete his current council term before pursuing higher office.
Others pointed to previous public statements in which Mr Marsh indicated he had no intention of running for Parliament, with some describing the reported shift as disappointing or confusing.
A number of residents also raised concerns about stability at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, particularly in light of recent governance issues and the appointment of state monitors.
While some commenters expressed support for Mr Marsh and his record as Mayor, the majority of responses reflected scepticism about his candidacy and frustration over the prospect of another by-election.
Marsh Issues Public Statement
Updated 16/07/2026
Mayor Anthony Marsh has issued a public statement confirming he has formally applied for Liberal Party preselection for Nepean.
In the statement, Mr Marsh said he had received “overwhelming encouragement from local members, community leaders and residents” since the by-election was announced.
However, at the time this article was updated, the post had received seven reactions, and comments had been limited, preventing public responses.
Mr Marsh said he would not be making further public comment during the preselection process, citing party rules.
The development has intensified public discussion. If Mr Marsh were to win the Nepean seat and resign from council, a council by-election would be required.
Past council by-elections have been estimated to cost around $200,000.
Some residents have also raised questions about residency, noting Mr Marsh lives on the Mornington Peninsula but outside the Nepean electorate boundary.
Community reaction
Public reaction to Mr Marsh’s confirmed preselection bid has been sharp, with critics accusing him of misleading voters and pursuing higher office from the outset.
In one widely shared comment on STPL News’ post, a resident urged people to “vote for anyone but him”, claiming they felt misled during the council election campaign and pointing to the state’s decision to install oversight at Mornington Peninsula Shire as evidence of broader concern about council governance.
Others have raised questions about local representation, noting Mr Marsh lives on the Mornington Peninsula but does not reside within the Nepean electorate.
Right of reply
STPL News has put the claims directly to Mayor Anthony Marsh for right of reply. This story will be updated if a response is received.
Related: Liberals Divided As Senior Sources Flag Mayor Marsh For Nepean Preselection
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[…] Read here: Marsh Preselection Bid Confirmed […]
The recent decision by Anthony Marsh to join the Liberal Party of Australia raises legitimate questions about process and transparency.
For some time, residents of the Mornington Peninsula Shire have observed a consistent voting bloc within council — a tight grouping that often appears to move in lockstep. Whether four or five councillors, the effect is the same: outcomes can feel predetermined rather than deliberated.
That perception matters.
Now, with a by-election looming at high public cost, reports that party membership rules requiring two years’ standing may be set aside deserve clear explanation. Transparency is not optional in public life; it is foundational.
If rules are flexible, the community should be told why. If they are firm, they should apply equally.
Trust in institutions is fragile. It is strengthened not by manoeuvre, but by fairness.
Anne Kruger
Rye