In a significant blow to the Victorian Liberal Party, its deputy leader, Sam Groth, has declared he will resign from parliament at the upcoming state election. The former tennis star cited deep internal divisions and the fallout from a defamation battle with News Corp as the primary reasons for his departure.
A Decision Forged in Reflection
Groth issued a statement on Monday morning confirming he would not recontest his seat of Nepean in the November poll. He revealed the decision followed a period of personal reflection and discussions with his wife, Brittany, over the summer break. He informed the opposition leader, Jess Wilson, of his intention to leave politics.
"The public pressure placed on my family in recent months has been significant and realising that some of it came from within my own party has been difficult to ignore," Groth stated. "Coming to that realisation has forced some very personal reflection."
The Toll of Internal and External Battles
The MP's announcement directly references the intense pressure his family faced, which culminated in a legal dispute with the Herald Sun. Late last year, the newspaper apologised to the Groths for articles published in July and August that falsely suggested their relationship began when Brittany was underage.
The apology was part of a settlement that included a retraction and a reported six-figure sum. Groth was pursuing a defamation case, while his wife had launched a pioneering legal action under new privacy laws. "It has been an extremely challenging period for my family," Groth said in his statement.
He expressed his disillusionment with the political environment, stating, "But when you find yourself having to fight against your own team, it becomes impossible to put those interests first. That is not the standard I came into public life to accept."
Major Loss for the Liberal Party
Groth's exit represents a substantial setback for the Victorian Liberals. A former professional tennis player who holds the world record for the fastest serve, he was seen as a charismatic and successful fundraiser with clear leadership ambitions, having previously spoken of his desire to become premier.
He won the ultra-marginal seat of Nepean from Labor at the 2022 election with a 7.15% swing, securing a commanding 48.1% of first-preference votes. His departure leaves a critical seat vulnerable and removes a prominent figure from the party's frontbench.
Groth concluded his statement by saying he would take time with his family to consider the future. "I will not be making any further comment. Over summer, I will take time with my family to consider what comes next and the opportunities ahead."
