Victoria’s deputy opposition leader to retire at November state election

“Absolutely not. And I reject the premise of that. I have set clear expectations for my team. These are historic issues, in Sam’s sense. These have not occurred under my leadership,” he said.

He repeatedly said only Groth could explain his statement in more detail.

He asked for time with his family and said he would have no further comment.

Wilson said the Christmas break is often a time for reflection.

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“Politics is a tough game. It’s a tough game for the people involved, but it can also be very tough for the families.”

Groth remains deputy opposition leader, two sources speak Age He said on condition of anonymity that he had privately told his colleagues that he wanted to remain in the post. Although Wilson did not address the deputy position in his statement, he did say that the convention requires retired lawmakers to leave the leadership and front bench, but that talks with Groth are continuing.

Liberal MPs are now expected to elect a new MP and Wilson is expected to make another reshuffle in the coming weeks.

If Groth had not stepped aside voluntarily, his colleagues would have had to remove him by vote.

Groth served as deputy to then-Liberal leader Brad Battin, retaining his position in the November coup successfully launched by Wilson. Liberal MPs were privately questioning on Monday why Groth had considered leaving parliament but was again contesting the position less than two months ago.

Former tennis star Groth, who was elected to the Victorian parliament in 2022, said public pressure on his family was serious.

“The realization that some of this was coming from within my own party was hard to ignore,” Groth said.

“Realizing this forced some very personal reflection.”

He said the infighting was distracting from the job of representing Victorians and Nepalese voters.

“I entered public life to serve my community, represent the Mornington Peninsula and advocate for what I believe is in the best interests of Victorians,” he said in a statement.

“I have always tried to approach this job with integrity, hard work and a clear focus on the people who rely on me.

“But when you find yourself having to fight against your own team, it becomes impossible to put those interests first. That’s not the standard I’ve come to accept in public life, and it’s not the kind of politics Victorians deserve.”

Groth had a swing of more than 7 per cent to win the seat of Nepean in the 2022 state election; but Labor reversed this in its 2018 “Danslide” victory under Daniel Andrews.

Lovell, upper house MP for Northern Victoria, was elected in 2002. He was minister responsible for children and housing during the Baillieu and Napthine governments.

The announcement of his pending retirement was scheduled for Monday, then postponed following Groth’s decision, and postponed again until Monday afternoon following subsequent questions. Age.

“The values ​​of the Liberal Party represent the aspirations of all Victorians and I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to represent these values ​​as a Liberal MP for the country,” Lovell said.

“I want to thank my family for their unwavering love and support. They have been there as a key influence, cheer squad or advisor when needed through some of the tough times like the bushfires of 2009 and the floods of 2022. Without them, my career would not have been possible.”

Lovell also thanked the electorate and wished Wilson and the Victorian Liberal Party success in the November election.

Wilson thanked Lovell for serving in parliament for more than two decades.

“I have known Wendy for decades and throughout that time she has been a staunch defender of Liberal Party values ​​and a tireless and passionate advocate for her community.

“Wendy is unwavering in her commitment to delivering better outcomes for regional Victorians.”

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