Mornington Peninsula Mayor Vote Returns Tonight After 5-5 Stalemate
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors return tonight to try again to elect a mayor after the previous vote split 5-5, leaving Cr Paul Pingiaro as Acting Mayor.
Tag Anthony Marsh
Mayor Vote Ends In Stalemate As Mornington Peninsula Shire Splits 5-5
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has failed to elect a new mayor after councillors split 5-5 in two consecutive votes, leaving Cr Paul Pingiaro as Acting Mayor until councillors try again on 16 June.
Mornington Peninsula Shire To Elect New Mayor Tomorrow
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors will meet tomorrow night to elect a new mayor following Anthony Marsh’s resignation, with the current 10-member chamber leaving open the possibility of a deadlocked vote.
Hutchison Steps Back From November Race After Nepean By-Election
Tracee Hutchison, Nepean by-election, Nepean state election, November 2026 state election, community independent, Mornington Peninsula politics, Anthony Marsh, Victorian Electoral Commission
TLC Floats $250m Rosebud Hospital PPP As Debate Reignites
TLC Healthcare has put forward a $250 million public-private partnership proposal for Rosebud Hospital, reigniting debate over how the southern peninsula hospital should be rebuilt.
Marsh Drops Intervention Order Case Against Retiree Who Criticised Him Online
Newly elected Liberal MP Anthony Marsh alleged Safety Beach retiree Joe Lenzo harassed him with repeated emails, mocking language and the nickname “Marshy” during Marsh’s time as mayor. Marsh later withdrew the case after winning Nepean. No final order was made.
One Nation’s Farrer Win And What It Means For November
One Nation’s Farrer breakthrough has added weight to warning signs already visible in Nepean, where the party topped several booths and exposed pressure on the Liberal primary vote. With Hastings held by Labor on a narrow margin, November’s Victorian state election could be far more volatile than expected.
Emil Madsen Upgrade Nears $18m After Bloc Ignored Officer Advice
Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors will be asked to scale back the Emil Madsen Western Pavilion project, less than three months after the Marsh-led bloc of six backed a larger option that officers now say has a significant funding gap.
Tracee Hutchison Confirms November Run After Nepean By-Election
Independent Tracee Hutchison has confirmed she will contest Nepean again at November’s Victorian state election, following Saturday’s by-election result. Anthony Marsh’s win also means Briars Ward residents will vote in a council by-election, with ratepayers expected to meet an estimated cost of about $200,000.
Marsh Win Leaves Ratepayers Facing $200,000 Briars Ward By-Election Bill
Mornington Peninsula Shire ratepayers are facing an expected $200,000 Briars Ward by-election bill after Anthony Marsh’s Nepean win leaves a council vacancy and ends his time as mayor.
Liberals Projected To Hold Nepean Despite Weakened Vote
The Liberal Party is projected to retain Nepean, but provisional results show a weakened primary vote, a strong One Nation result and a sizeable independent vote for Tracee Hutchison.
Candidates’ 30-Second Pitch To Voters
STPL News spoke with Nepean by-election candidates on election day, with candidates from Independent, Greens, Libertarian and One Nation campaigns taking part. Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh declined the opportunity.
Calmer Scenes At Rosebud Pre-Poll After Previous Day’s Confrontations
STPL News observed a calmer atmosphere at Rosebud pre-poll on Wednesday, 29 April, following the previous day’s reports, footage and photos showing confrontational scenes outside the early voting centre.
Liberal Campaign Workers Accused Of Harassing Candidate, Volunteers And Voters At Rosebud Pre-Poll
Liberal campaign workers have been accused of harassing volunteers, voters and One Nation candidate Darren Hercus at Rosebud pre-poll, with STPL News supplied videos, photographs and audio showing repeated confrontations.
Liberal Unease Deepens As Voters Turn On Marsh In Nepean
Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh is facing fresh signs of unrest in Nepean, with long-time Liberal supporters, public comments and a former party member’s full-page advertisement raising questions about his candidacy.
Liberal Campaign Goes Harder Negative In Nepean As Anti-One Nation Flyer, Video And Texts Circulate
Fresh anti-One Nation material is circulating in Nepean through letterbox flyers, authorised video and text messages, adding to concerns about an increasingly negative Liberal campaign centred on Rosebud Hospital ahead of the by-election.
Anthony Marsh Avoids Scrutiny In Last-Minute Withdrawal From Sold-Out Candidates Forum
Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh has withdrawn from a sold-out Nepean candidates forum after attendee questions were circulated, with organisers telling STPL News his team pulled out about an hour after receiving direct questions for the candidate.
Marsh Under Department Review As Roadworks Scrutiny Deepens Around Nepean Campaign
Liberal Nepean candidate Anthony Marsh is facing fresh scrutiny after Victoria’s transport department began reviewing a complaint over a campaign pothole stunt, adding to earlier questions over road funding claims, Liberal unrest, political independence and the state-appointed monitors at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
Peter Angelico Accuses Anthony Marsh Of ‘Blatant Hypocrisy’ Over Roads
Peter Angelico has accused Anthony Marsh of “blatant hypocrisy” over roads messaging in the Nepean by-election, using both a campaign video and an STPL News interview to challenge Marsh’s credibility, honesty and handling of the issue.
Tracee Hutchison Slams ‘Lazy And Dishonest’ Liberal Attack Flyer In Nepean
Tracee Hutchison has hit back at a Liberal-authorised flyer targeting her in the Nepean by-election, calling it a dishonest attack and a sign of Liberal desperation.
Liberals Broaden Dirty Nepean Campaign With New Flyer Targeting Tracee Hutchison
A second Liberal-authorised attack flyer has surfaced in the Nepean by-election, this time targeting independent candidate Tracee Hutchison as the Liberals widen their negative campaign.
Marsh Goes Off Script After Social Media Grilling
Anthony Marsh is under fresh scrutiny after campaign-period social media comments appeared to conflict with his earlier public position on Mornington Peninsula Shire’s municipal monitors.
Pothole Post Sees Marsh Dig Himself Into Another Hole
Anthony Marsh is facing fresh scrutiny after appearing to mark a pothole on White Hill Road, a state-managed 80 km/h arterial road, without visible hi-vis gear or traffic control. STPL News has contacted Roads Minister Melissa Horne for comment.
EDITORIAL | The Victorian Liberals Have Learned Nothing, and Hastings Is the Latest Example
The Victorian Liberal Party appears to have repeated in Hastings the same top-down preselection play used in Nepean, raising fresh questions about rank-and-file members being shut out and the political cost of party arrogance.
SA Labor Win Overshadowed by One Nation Surge, Raising Questions for Victoria
Labor has won comfortably in South Australia, but the bigger story is One Nation’s surge and the collapse of the Liberal vote. With similar political conditions emerging in Victoria, the Nepean by-election is now shaping as an early test ahead of the November state election.
Nepean By-Election Nominations Open As Candidate Field Begins To Take Shape
Candidate nominations have officially opened for the Nepean District by-election, with the Victorian Electoral Commission urging prospective contenders to move quickly ahead of the April deadlines. The by-election will be held on Saturday 2 May. VEC Opens Formal Nomination Process…
Liberal Party Accused Of Double Standards As Anthony Marsh Signs Appear On Council Land In Rosebud
Anthony Marsh campaign signs appear to be on council land in Rosebud, raising questions over compliance and double standards in the Nepean by-election.
Nepean race rocked as leaked texts reveal Anthony Marsh backed Labor
The Nepean by-election campaign has been thrown into fresh controversy after leaked text messages revealed Liberal candidate Anthony Marsh privately backed a Labor candidate during the 2022 Victorian state election.
Darren Hercus says One Nation will not play ‘support role’ in Nepean
One Nation candidate Darren Hercus says the party does not want to play a support role in the Nepean by-election, instead pitching itself as a genuine contender while campaigning on cost of living, housing, crime and Rosebud Hospital.
Nepean By-election 2026: Candidates Announced
Five candidates have announced campaigns for the 2026 Nepean by-election following the resignation of Sam Groth. STPL News is tracking the candidates and key developments as the campaign unfolds.
Fact check: Did Anthony Marsh increase road funding by 72% as stated in Jess Wilson’s video?
A claim that Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh increased road funding by 72% is examined against council records, budgets and procurement documents. The fact check looks at when the increase occurred and what decisions led to the higher spending.
Tracee Hutchison Announced Independent Bid for Nepean By‑Election
Rosebud local Tracee Hutchison has launched her campaign as a community independent in the Nepean state by-election. She will contest against Liberal candidate and MPSC mayor Anthony Marsh, Darren Hercus, Libertarian Peter Angelico, and the Greens candidate. Hutchison pledges to fight for local healthcare, ensure fair government spending, and be the first woman to represent Nepean.
Nepean By-election: Liberals go all-in on Anthony Marsh as One Nation moves in
The Nepean by-election is set for 2 May after Sam Groth’s resignation. Labor is not running, One Nation has named Darren Hercus, and a Roy Morgan poll shows One Nation leading in Victoria. Anthony Marsh’s past statements and a verified how-to-vote card have added scrutiny as the May by-election and November state election approaches.
Mayor Anthony Marsh Selected as Liberal Candidate for Nepean By-election
Anthony Marsh has been confirmed as the Liberal Party’s candidate for Nepean, after weeks of reporting on his preselection bid and internal division within local party ranks.
Somerville Times Returns Wednesday with Refreshed Look for 2026
Somerville Times returns on Wednesday 25 February 2026 with a refreshed layout and design, leading with coverage of the monitors’ appointment and terms of reference and confirmed developments in the Nepean race involving Mayor Anthony Marsh. This edition also includes a local crime roundup, a Rate Your MP survey snapshot and how to participate, an MPCA Country Week carnival recap, Australia Day in Hastings revisited, and more.
Marsh’s Paper Trail Collides With Nepean By-election Reality
Anthony Marsh’s previous written survey responses on party affiliation and political donations are being revisited as the Mornington Peninsula mayor seeks Liberal preselection for the Nepean by-election on 2 May 2026.
Marsh Preselection Bid Confirmed
Key claims first reported by STPL News about Anthony Marsh’s bid for Liberal preselection in Nepean have now been confirmed by major media reporting.
Liberals Divided As Senior Sources Flag Mayor Marsh For Nepean Preselection
Senior Liberal Party sources claim Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh has recently joined the party and intends to seek Nepean preselection following Sam Groth’s resignation announcement.
State Monitors Didn’t Arrive by Accident — And the Paperwork Doesn’t Lie
The official Terms of Reference behind the appointment of municipal monitors to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council make clear this is about governance, conduct and whether the council can function without state oversight.
‘Very Sus’: Mercurio Claims Mayor Shifted Hastings Parking Rules After Sticker Backlash
A Hastings parking sign dispute that sparked “money grab” claims has intensified after Council blamed incorrect contractor-installed signage and said no infringements were issued, while MP Paul Mercurio later claimed the Mayor advised High Street is now 1P, Monday to Saturday.
‘Money Grab’ Claims After Hastings Parking Signs Stickered Around New Year’s Day
Photos of sticker overlays on Hastings parking signs have triggered ‘money grab’ claims and confusion over whether time limits applied on the New Year’s Day public holiday. STPL News has contacted Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s CEO and Mayor, as well as ward councillor Cr Michael Stephens, seeking clarification.
Ratepayers to Foot the Bill as Mayor Claims Credit for Monitors
Mornington Peninsula ratepayers are set to fund the cost of two municipal monitors, paid $1,375 per day each plus expenses, after Mayor Anthony Marsh claimed the appointments were his idea. STPL News examines potential annual costs, the governance context, and what documentation has not been produced publicly.
Mayor Attempts to Reframe Monitor Appointments As His Idea
Mayor Anthony Marsh says he sought advice about appointing a monitor, as the Victorian Government confirms two municipal monitors will oversee Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for 12 months.
BREAKING | Monitors Appointed to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
STPL News has been told two monitors have been appointed to Mornington Peninsula Shire Council by the Victorian Minister for Local Government. Once confirmed, the appointments would make Cr Anthony Marsh the first mayor in Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s history to have two monitors appointed at the same time.
Notorious Bloc of Six Faces Collapse as Internal Rift Threatens Mayor’s Control
Internal tensions within the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s ‘bloc of six’ have emerged following internal reports of a reprimand and threats of resignation from Cr Stephen Batty, an anonymous council employee told STPL News.
‘Balancing the Budget Is Not the Goal’ — Mayor Softens Fiscal Rhetoric as Council Approves 10-Year Plans
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh says balancing the budget is not the goal, signalling a shift from the fiscal crisis narrative as Council adopts its 10-year Financial and Asset Plans.
How Would You Spend $60,000? Mornington Peninsula’s Empty Seat at the MAV
Mornington Peninsula Shire Council spent $60,000 for a seat at the MAV State Council — but remained vacant. The no-show has fuelled frustration among ratepayers already concerned about transparency, budget cuts and leadership direction. What would you have done with $60k?
Shire Faces $1 Million Recycling Bill as Contamination Rises
Mornington Peninsula Shire blames a rise in recycling contamination — now costing an extra $1 million — on residents putting the wrong items in yellow-lid bins.
Gill Claps Back at Mayor’s “Keyboard Warrior” Post, Labelling it a “Fabrication” as Council Moves to Save Wallabies
Councillor David Gill has clapped back at Mayor Anthony Marsh’s “keyboard warrior” Facebook post, labelling it a “fabrication” during fiery debate over The Briars wallaby crisis. Although the vote to protect the animals was unanimous, the urgent meeting exposed sharp divisions — and revealed ulterior intentions from the Mayor and the notorious bloc of six.
Notorious Six Turn Their Backs on Homelessness Crisis
The Notorious Six councillors have blocked a motion to declare a homelessness emergency on the Mornington Peninsula. The proposal, which would have cost the Shire no funds, aimed to push state and federal governments to act as the region records Victoria’s highest rates of rough sleeping and three deaths in the past year.
