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.
Earlier public position
The latest developments contrast with earlier public reporting that Marsh ruled out running for Nepean and said he was not a Liberal Party member at that time.
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.
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