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.
Nepean MP Sam Groth rises to Deputy Leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, while Mornington MP Chris Crewther has been appointed Shadow Assistant Minister for Housing and Rental Affordability as Brad Battin reorganises the shadow cabinet following a leadership spill.
Brad Battin Elected as Victorian Liberal Leader After Party Room VoteBrad Battin has been voted in as the new leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, replacing John Pesutto after a party room vote amid tensions over the Moira Deeming case.
Victorian MP Sam Groth resigns from the Liberal frontbench, citing the court rulling against Liberal Leader John Pesutto. With the 2026 election less than 2 years away, will the Liberals unite to challenge Labor’s dominance?
