In a surprising turn of events, Victorian politics is losing a key figure. Victorian Liberal Party deputy leader Sam Groth has dropped a bombshell, announcing he’ll step away from politics entirely at the next election. But here’s where it gets controversial: Groth cites internal party pressure as a major factor in his decision, claiming some of the recent public scrutiny on his family came from within his own ranks. And this is the part most people miss: Groth’s departure isn’t just about personal reasons—it’s a stark reminder of the cutthroat nature of political life, even among allies.
Groth, who has represented the seat of Nepean on the Mornington Peninsula since 2022, revealed his decision after much deliberation with his wife. In a statement on Monday, he said, “After many conversations and deep personal reflection, I’ve informed the Leader of the Opposition that I cannot continue in Parliament beyond the 2026 election.” His exit comes on the heels of a highly publicized legal battle with the Herald Sun in 2025, which ran a series of articles about the early days of his relationship with his wife. The case was settled out of court, with the newspaper issuing a public apology in November. Groth’s experience underscores the intense personal toll politics can take, even when you’re fighting for what you believe in.
“I’ve always approached this role with honesty, hard work, and a focus on the people who trusted me,” Groth said. “But when you’re battling your own team, it becomes impossible to prioritize those interests.” His words highlight a troubling reality: the very environment meant to foster public service can sometimes become toxic, even for those with the best intentions.
Former Liberal Premier Jeff Kennett expressed surprise at Groth’s early exit, noting that his departure might be “immaterial to the election outcome” given his relatively short tenure and lower public profile. However, Kennett acknowledged the steep learning curve of transitioning from private life to politics, particularly under the microscope of public scrutiny. “It’s a very big adjustment,” he remarked, though he wasn’t aware of Groth’s specific claims about internal party pressure.
Groth’s decision leaves a void in the Liberal Party’s leadership, opening the door for someone new to step into the deputy role. Meanwhile, Groth plans to spend the summer with his family, reflecting on his next steps. “We took on this role to contribute to our community and make a positive difference,” he said. “That purpose hasn’t changed, but the environment has.”
But here’s the question that lingers: Is Groth’s experience an isolated case, or does it reveal a deeper issue within political parties? Are internal conflicts becoming the norm, and at what cost to public service? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation worth having.
