Victorian Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Groth says he will exit state politics and won’t contest the November election.
“After many conversations with my wife and with a great deal of personal thought, I have informed the Leader of the Opposition that I have decided that I cannot continue in Parliament beyond the 2026 election,” he said on Monday.
Mr Groth, who has held the seat of Nepean on the Mornington Peninsula since the last election in 2022, said his decision had come following the realisation that some of the public pressure placed on his family in recent months had come from within his own party.
Mr Groth was the subject of media headlines in early 2025, when the Herald Sun newspaper ran a series of articles about the beginning of his relationship with his wife.
Mr Groth sued the Melbourne newspaper for defamation. The ABC understands the parties settled out of court, with the Herald Sun publishing an apology to Mr Groth and wife Brittany in November.
The Herald Sun published several articles about Sam Groth and his wife Brittany Groth last year. (ABC News: Kristian Silva)
“I have always tried to approach this job with honesty, hard work and a clear focus on the people who put their trust in me,” Mr Groth said on Monday.
“But when you find yourself having to fight against your own team, it becomes impossible to put those interests first.
“This has been an extremely challenging period for my family. We took on this role for the right reasons, to contribute to our community and try to make a positive difference. That purpose has never changed, but the environment around it has.
“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.”
Sam Groth rose to prominence in the party as an ally of Brad Battin, becoming the former leader’s deputy following a leadership spill. (ABC News)
Prior to politics, Mr Groth was known for his former professional tennis career in which he represented Australia at the Olympics and international tournaments.
He was elected into state parliament in 2022 and quickly rose to deputy leader. He was also assigned the shadow portfolios of tourism, sport and major events, and trade and investment.
Liberal colleague laments loss of ‘huge talent’
Liberal MP for the seat of Polwarth in south-west Victoria, Richard Riordan, said Mr Groth was a “huge talent” and his decision to depart was disappointing but understandable.
“Sam has brought an external experience and understanding, particularly in the sports and major event area and has been absolutely passionate about representing the people in the electorate of Nepean,” Mr Riordan said.
“Sam and his family endured a lot in 2025 — more than the average young couple with two young children could and should expect when they take up public life.
“And unfortunately, Sam was forced to endure a lot of court time and expensive legal proceedings in order to both clear his name and his wife’s name,” he said.
Liberal MP Richard Riordan said Sam Groth and his family endured a lot in 2025. (ABC News)
Former Liberal premier Jeff Kennett told the ABC he was surprised Mr Groth was leaving parliament after only one term.
Mr Kennett said given the short time in parliament he thought Mr Groth’s departure would be “immaterial to the election outcome” because he was not well known by Victorians.
“It will now give someone else the opportunity to be elevated to the deputy leadership,” he said.
Mr Kennett said he was not aware of Mr Groth’s claims that his own party had negatively impacted publicity about him, but said, in general terms, public scrutiny was a very challenging aspect of being in politics.
“It’s a very, very big learning curve going from private life into politics,” he said.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson is expected to address the media in relation to Mr Groth’s announcement later on Monday afternoon.
