Anthony Marsh wins Nepean by-election, retaining seat for Liberal Party

The Liberal Party has retained the Victorian state seat of Nepean on the Mornington Peninsula, with former Mornington Shire Council mayor Anthony Marsh winning the Nepean by-election.

Mr. Marsh succeeds former deputy Liberal leader and tennis player Sam Groth, who resigned from parliament in February. Analysis of the vote showed Mr. Marsh holding approximately 40% of the primary vote, with a preference count ensuring a Liberal victory.

The Liberal Party has held the seat south of Melbourne for nearly all of the last 40 years. Mr. Marsh, a small business owner and former member of the air force, had previously served in local government as an independent since 2020.

Despite previously stating he would not run for parliament, Mr. Marsh joined the Liberal Party weeks before the by-election, citing the performance of the state Labor government as his motivation for entering the race.

Impact of the Nepean by-election on State Politics

In his victory speech, Mr. Marsh described the win as “the honour of my life,” vowing to fight for the people of Nepean leading into the next state election.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson accused the Labor government of neglecting the electorate, noting that the government failed to run a candidate in the race. Opposition frontbencher David Southwick added that the result serves as positive news ahead of the November general election.

One Nation candidate Darren Hercus challenged the Liberal Party’s conduct during the campaign. Holding a roll of toilet paper during his post-election speech, Mr. Hercus accused the Liberals of spreading false information regarding One Nation’s policies on the privatization of Rosebud Hospital.

Mr. Hercus stated that the by-election would serve as a “launching pad” for his campaign in November, asserting that One Nation intends to compete aggressively in the general election.

Independent candidate and former journalist Tracee Hutchison also vowed to stand again in November. Ms. Hutchison described the campaign as a genuine local effort that demonstrated the power of voters against two major political parties.