Victorian Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Groth has announced his resignation from the Victorian parliament and will not contest the November 2026 state election. Mr. Groth cited personal reflection, family discussions, and public pressure, including some originating from within his own political party, as factors in his decision.
Announcement and Rationale
Mr. Groth, who was first elected to represent the seat of Nepean on the Mornington Peninsula in 2022, made his announcement on Monday morning. He informed the Leader of the Opposition of his decision, stating it followed personal reflection and conversations with his family. A contributing factor cited was public pressure on his family, with Mr. Groth specifically noting that some of this pressure stemmed from within his own political party.
Political Background
Sam Groth assumed the role of Deputy Opposition Leader following a leadership spill. He served one term in parliament after being elected in the 2022 state election.
Previous Legal Action
In early 2025, Mr. Groth initiated a defamation lawsuit against the Herald Sun newspaper regarding articles concerning his relationship with his wife, Brittany. The parties subsequently settled out of court. In November 2025, the Herald Sun published an apology to Mr. Groth and his wife.
Statements from Mr. Groth
On Monday, Mr. Groth stated his intention had always been to approach his role with honesty, hard work, and a focus on his constituents. He further commented, "when you find yourself having to fight against your own team, it becomes impossible to put those interests first." Mr. Groth characterized the period as "extremely challenging" for his family. He noted that their initial purpose for entering politics—"to contribute to our community and try to make a positive difference"—remained unchanged, but "the environment around it has." Mr. Groth concluded by stating he would make no further comment and would use the summer to consider future opportunities with his family.
External Commentary
Former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett expressed surprise at Mr. Groth's departure after a single term in parliament. Kennett suggested that Mr. Groth's exit would be "immaterial to the election outcome" due to his relatively short tenure and limited public recognition among Victorians. He also noted that the departure would create an opportunity for another individual to be elevated to the deputy leadership position. Kennett stated he was not aware of Mr. Groth's specific claims regarding internal party impact on his public image, but commented that public scrutiny is generally a challenging aspect of political life.