Sam Groth Quits Victorian Parliament, Triggers Nepean By-Election
In a surprising yet anticipated move, former deputy leader of the Victorian Liberal Party, Sam Groth, has announced his resignation from state parliament. The decision, effective next week, will force a by-election in the coastal seat of Nepean, adding another layer of uncertainty to Victoria's political landscape just months before the November state election.
Background on Sam Groth's Political Journey
Sam Groth, a household name in Australian sports circles, transitioned from the tennis courts to the political arena with relative ease. The 38-year-old, who represented Australia at the Olympics and notched impressive wins in international tournaments, entered parliament in 2022 as the member for Nepean. His victory in the Mornington Peninsula electorate was seen as a fresh injection of energy into the Liberal Party, leveraging his celebrity status and straightforward demeanor.
Groth quickly rose through the ranks, becoming deputy leader under Opposition Leader Jess Wilson. However, his tenure was marred by internal party tensions. Reports of a lawsuit and factional divisions within the Liberals painted a picture of a rookie politician thrust into a viper's nest. Groth himself hinted at these struggles in recent months, vowing to step down at the end of his term due to the undue pressure on his family—pressure he attributed to sources within his own party.
"It has been an honour to serve the people of Nepean," Groth stated in his official resignation announcement. "I am very grateful to my staff for their professionalism and dedication." He extended well-wishes to Wilson and the Liberal team, emphasizing his family's role: "Most importantly, I thank my wife Britt and our twin boys for their unwavering love and support."
From Tennis Pro to Political Powerhouse
Groth's backstory is the stuff of Australian dream narratives. Born in Melbourne, he turned pro in 2005 and peaked with a career-high singles ranking of No. 53. His powerful serve—once clocked at 263 km/h—earned him the nickname 'The Hammer.' Retiring from tennis in 2018, Groth pivoted to politics, campaigning on local issues like coastal protection and economic growth for the Mornington Peninsula.
His 2022 win flipped Nepean from Labor, making it a key battleground. But the glamour of his entry faded amid Liberal infighting, including high-profile disputes that led to his deputy role becoming untenable. Insiders suggest the lawsuit, reportedly involving party finances or personal matters, exacerbated the strain, though details remain under wraps.
Reactions from Party Leaders and Stakeholders
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson addressed the resignation at a press conference on Wednesday, expressing full support for Groth's choice. "Sam's been very clear that this is a decision he has made with his family," she said. "Politics is a really tough game. It's a really tough environment and sometimes it can take an incredible toll on people's families."
Wilson, who did not attempt to dissuade Groth after his intentions surfaced over the Christmas break, framed the departure positively. "I'm excited about the upcoming by-election," she added. "It's an opportunity to listen to the people of Nepean, to earn their trust and to outline our priorities." Notably, she sidestepped questions on potential candidates or the financial burden, which could mirror the $2.1 million cost of recent by-elections in Werribee and Prahran, per the Victorian Electoral Commission's 2024-25 report.
The timing is awkward for the Liberals. Nepean voters will now face polls twice in under a year—first in this early by-election, then the full state election. Analysts predict a tight race, with Labor eyeing a regain in the marginal seat. "This resignation underscores the fragility of the Liberal opposition," said political commentator Dr. Elena Vasquez from the University of Melbourne. "Groth's exit removes a high-profile asset and highlights ongoing divisions that could alienate moderate voters."
Impact on Family and Personal Life
Groth's emphasis on family resonates deeply in an era where the personal costs of politics are increasingly scrutinized. With wife Brittany and their twin sons by his side during his 2022 election victory party, the couple symbolized a new generation of politicians balancing public service with private life. Yet, the "public pressure from within his own party," as Groth described it, proved too much.
This isn't isolated; recent Australian politics has seen similar exits, from federal MPs citing mental health to state figures bowing out over burnout. Groth's case may amplify calls for reform in party cultures, particularly in Victoria's combative Liberal branch.
Implications for Victorian Politics and the Nepean By-Election
The by-election, expected in the first half of 2026, will test the Liberals' resilience. Nepean, encompassing beachside communities from Sorrento to Frankston, is prized for its swing potential. Labor, under Premier Jacinta Allan, holds a slim majority statewide, and a loss here could embolden their campaign narrative of Liberal disarray.
Financially, the hit is real. With by-elections draining public coffers—over $4 million for the last two alone—critics question the efficiency of such snap votes. The Victorian Electoral Commission will oversee proceedings, ensuring a fair contest, but pre-selection battles within the Liberals could delay their nominee announcement.
Broader implications ripple to the November election. Groth's early exit robs the opposition of a charismatic figure who could rally donors and voters. It also spotlights Jess Wilson's leadership; her measured response aims to steady the ship, but whispers of further defections persist amid factional woes.
As Groth pursues "other opportunities"—speculation includes sports commentary or business ventures—Victorian politics enters a transitional phase. For Nepean residents, it's back to the ballot box, a reminder that in democracy, change is constant.
This development caps a whirlwind term for Groth, blending athletic grit with political realism. Whether it marks the end of his public life or a pivot to new arenas remains to be seen, but his departure undeniably reshapes the battle for Victoria's future.
