The resignation of former deputy Liberal leader Sam Groth has triggered a by-election in the Victorian seat of Nepean, sparking a bitter internal battle over who will replace him. Local branch members are furious after the party’s state executive bypassed them to fast-track Mornington Peninsula mayor Anthony Marsh as the preferred candidate.
Marsh, who only joined the Liberal Party on 10 February, was granted special dispensation two days later to seek preselection despite the usual 12-month membership requirement. The decision on the candidate will be made by the 18-member state executive and six members of the Nepean local executive, rather than by a ballot of local branch members.
In a statement, Marsh said he applied for preselection because of his strong local ties, noting he went to school in the area, built his business there, and served as mayor. He faces competition from former party candidates David Burgess, Briony Camp, Nathan Conroy and Bree Ambry, according to senior Liberal sources.
One senior Liberal source admitted bypassing the branch “wasn’t ideal” but argued there was insufficient time for a plebiscite, given One Nation and teal candidates were already campaigning. Another source highlighted Marsh’s strong local government election result, where he defeated a teal-aligned independent. However, local members described Marsh as “Sam Groth 2.0” and expressed anger at being sidelined.
The by-election, which could cost the Liberal Party up to $500,000, is seen as the first major test for new Liberal leader Jess Wilson, who vowed to unite the party after taking over in November. Nepean is a safe Liberal seat with a 6.4% margin, but challengers include One Nation and Independents for Mornington Peninsula, while Labor is not expected to contest.
