The Liberal Party retained the Victorian state seat of Nepean on the Mornington Peninsula after Anthony Marsh won the by-election [1].
The result provides a critical stability marker for the Liberal Party as it prepares for the upcoming state election. Retaining this seat was viewed as a necessary step to maintain viability against the current administration led by Jacinta Allan [3].
Marsh, a former Mornington Shire Council mayor, was declared the winner on May 3, 2026 [1]. The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Deputy Liberal Leader Sam Groth [2].
Polling for the electorate, located south of Melbourne, closed on May 2, 2026 [2]. The final result was called in less than three hours [1].
Nepean has remained a stronghold for the Liberal Party for most of the last four decades. The party has held the seat for all but one term over the past 40 years [5].
The victory ensures the party maintains its presence on the Mornington Peninsula, a region that has historically favored Liberal candidates. The win follows a period of challenge from One Nation, which attempted to mount a significant challenge to the seat [4].
“The Liberal Party retained the Victorian state seat of Nepean”
By holding Nepean, the Liberal Party prevents a momentum shift toward minor parties or the government ahead of the general state election. The swift result and retention of a historical stronghold suggest that the party's base on the Mornington Peninsula remains intact despite the leadership change triggered by Sam Groth's resignation.
