Former deputy Liberal leader and professional tennis player Sam Groth has announced he will quit the Victorian Parliament within days.
The move will trigger a costly by-election in the coastal seat of Nepean on the Mornington Peninsula, but a date is yet to be announced.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson’s office confirmed the former tennis ace had resigned, signalling the end of his first term in state politics.
Groth had already announced he would not contest the November election.
In recent months, he publicly criticised colleagues and accused them of undermining his leadership, claiming they were responsible for media leaks.
The 38-year-old said he was quitting politics to pursue other opportunities.
‘It has been an honour to serve the people of Nepean, and I sincerely thank them for the trust they placed in me for the opportunity to represent our community,’ he said.
‘I wish Jess and the Liberal team all the very best for the November election.
Sam Groth (left) has resigned as the Liberal member for the Victorian seat of Nepean
The Nepean by-election is set to be the first electoral test for Liberal leader Jess Wilson (right)
‘Most importantly, I thank my family, my wife Britt and our twin boys, for their unwavering love and support.’
Speaking at a Wednesday afternoon press conference, Wilson thanked Groth and expressed her support for his choice to step down before the end of his term.
‘Sam’s been very clear that this is a decision he has made with his family,’ she said.
Wilson said she looked forward to the upcoming by-election, with the date to be set at a later time.
‘It’s an opportunity to listen to the people of Nepean, to earn their trust and to outline our priorities,’ she said.
The announcement comes 297 days before Victoria heads to the polls for a state election, with the by-election set to be the first electoral test for Wilson, who became leader after Brad Battin stepped down last November.
