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• Previous Victorian Liberal Deputy Leaves Parliament
• A by-election is scheduled to take place prior to the Victoria State election.

A former deputy leader of the Liberal Party and professional tennis player, Sam Groth, has stated that he will leave the Victorian Parliament in the coming days.

The action will lead to an expensive by-election in the coastal district of Nepean on the Mornington Peninsula, with the timing to be determined at a future date.

The office of Opposition Leader Jess Wilson verified that the former tennis player has stepped down, marking the conclusion of his initial term in state politics.

Groth had already stated he would not run in the November election.election.

Over the past few months, he has openly criticized his peers, alleging that they are undermining his authority and causing information to be leaked to the media.

A 38-year-old man stated that he is leaving politics to explore different prospects.

“It has been a privilege to work for the residents of Nepean, and I genuinely appreciate their confidence in me for the chance to stand up for our neighborhood,” he stated.

I hope Jess and the Liberal team all the greatest success for the November election.

Primarily, I express my gratitude to my family, my wife Britt, and our twin sons, for their constant love and encouragement.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, Wilson acknowledged Groth and voiced her backing for his decision to step down prior to the conclusion of his term.

She stated, ‘Sam has been very clear that this is a choice he has made in consultation with his family.’

Wilson mentioned that she is eager for the upcoming by-election.

“It’s a chance to hear from the residents of Nepean, gain their confidence, and present our key focuses,” she stated.

Groth gained attention in early 2025 when the Herald Sun released a set of reports concerning him, leading Groth to initiate legal action for defamation against the publication.

The matter was resolved outside of court, with the Herald Sun issuing a public apology to Groth in November.

When he announced he would not run in the November election, Groth stated, “I have always aimed to handle this role with integrity, dedication, and a strong commitment to the people who believed in me.”

“But when you’re forced to battle against your own team, it’s impossible to prioritize those interests,” he stated.

The statement made on Wednesday is 297 days prior to Victoria’s journey to the polls for a state election.

The by-election will serve as the first electoral challenge for Wilson, who took over as opposition leader following Brad Battin’s resignation in November.

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