STPL News Seeks Interest in Proposed State Election Panel

STPL News is seeking expressions of interest in a proposed community panel series covering Hastings, Mornington, Nepean and Frankston ahead of the 2026 state election.

STPL News is seeking expressions of interest in a proposed community panel series covering Hastings, Mornington, Nepean and Frankston ahead of the 2026 state election.

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 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.

Tracee Hutchison, Nepean by-election, Nepean state election, November 2026 state election, community independent, Mornington Peninsula politics, Anthony Marsh, Victorian Electoral Commission

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.

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.

Pauline Hanson’s appearance alongside Darren Hercus in Rosebud drew a packed crowd and added visible momentum to One Nation’s push in the Nepean by-election.

Pauline Hanson has appeared beside Nepean candidate Darren Hercus at a sold out One Nation event, with more updates expected later tonight.

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.

The Liberal Party is being labelled desperate after copies of an anti-One Nation flyer, authorised by the party itself, began circulating across the Nepean electorate.

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 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.

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.

Sam Groth has resigned as the Liberal Member for Nepean, prompting a by-election. In a statement dated 4 February 2026, the Leader of the Opposition thanked Groth for his contribution and said the contest would focus on cost of living, crime, health and housing ahead of the November 2026 state election.

Victorian Liberal MP Sam Groth has announced he will not continue in Parliament beyond the 2026 state election, citing pressure on his family and internal party issues. His departure leaves the Liberals with a Nepean vacancy less than 12 months from polling day, as the party is also yet to announce a candidate for Hastings.