The Liberal Party is in turmoil in Nepean, as internal power struggles lead to a controversial decision to bypass local members in selecting a candidate for an upcoming byelection. But here’s where it gets even more heated: the party’s state executive is backing a newcomer, Anthony Marsh, who has been dubbed ‘Sam Groth 2.0,’ despite his recent entry into the party ranks. This move has sparked outrage among local branch members, who feel sidelined and frustrated.
The byelection was triggered by the sudden resignation of former deputy Victorian leader Sam Groth, a ex-professional tennis player who had planned to leave politics during the November election but accelerated his exit due to ongoing party infighting. Groth’s departure has left a void in Nepean, a traditionally safe Liberal seat with a 6.4% margin, but now challengers are circling. One Nation has confirmed its candidacy, and Independents for Mornington Peninsula are actively seeking a contender, though Labor is expected to sit this one out, as it has done in similar byelections for over two decades.
And this is the part most people miss: Anthony Marsh, the current mayor of Mornington Peninsula, only joined the Liberal Party on February 10th but was granted special dispensation by the executive just two days later to seek preselection, waiving the usual 12-month membership requirement. Instead of a democratic ballot involving local branch members, the decision will be made by a select group: the 18-member state executive and six members of the Nepean local executive. This top-down approach has left local members feeling alienated and disempowered.
In his statement, Marsh highlighted his deep roots in the community, stating, ‘I went to school here, have lived here, built my business serving local clients, and have worked and represented this community over many years, including in local government and as mayor.’ He emphasized his commitment to strong local representation, a sentiment echoed by some supporters who see him as a ‘sensible, centre-right candidate with local ties.’ Marsh’s impressive 70.43% first-preference result in his ward during the 2024 local government elections, where he defeated Despi O’Connor (an independent who ran in Flinders in 2022), has been cited as evidence of his electability.
However, this is where it gets controversial: local branch members are furious, not just about being excluded from the selection process, but also about the cost of the byelection, estimated to be between $300,000 and $500,000 for the Liberal Party and $2 million for taxpayers. One member described Marsh as ‘Sam Groth 2.0,’ drawing parallels to Groth’s own special dispensation to run in the seat. Critics argue that preselecting candidates without deep party ties has led to disastrous consequences in the past, yet the party seems to be repeating the same mistake.
A senior Liberal source admitted that bypassing the branch ‘wasn’t ideal’ but claimed there wasn’t enough time to organize a plebiscite, which could take up to three weeks. ‘One Nation and the teals are already on the ground,’ they said, emphasizing the urgency. Yet, this explanation has done little to quell the discontent among local members, who feel their voices are being ignored.
This byelection marks the first major test for Liberal leader Jess Wilson, who took the helm after a successful leadership spill against Brad Battin in November. Wilson had vowed to unite her divided party, but this latest controversy threatens to deepen existing fractures. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is the Liberal Party’s decision to prioritize expediency over inclusivity a necessary evil in today’s competitive political landscape, or is it a symptom of deeper systemic issues within the party? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this contentious issue.
