A civil war has broken out in the Victorian Liberal Party as party elites override local grassroots members to install a preferred candidate, sparking accusations of undemocratic maneuvering.

The resignation of former tennis star and Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Groth was meant to be a clean break. Instead, it has triggered a dirty fight for the soul of the Liberal Party in Nepean. In a move that mirrors the "direct nomination" controversies frequently seen in Kenyan party primaries, the Liberal state executive has moved to sideline local branch members. Their goal? To fast-track the nomination of Mornington Peninsula Mayor Anthony Marsh, a man already being dubbed "Sam Groth 2.0".

The parallels to Nairobi’s political theatre are striking. Just as local parties often face accusations of imposing "project" candidates from headquarters, the Victorian executive is bypassing the democratic process to install a candidate they believe fits the mold, regardless of what the locals want.

The "Project" Candidate

Anthony Marsh is a political newcomer to the party, having joined only days ago on February 10. Yet, he has been granted special dispensation to run, bypassing the usual 12-month membership rule. This "parachute" strategy has enraged long-serving party loyalists who feel their years of service are being disregarded for a quick political fix.

• The Seat: Nepean (vacated by Sam Groth).
• The Controversy: Executive selection vs. Local Branch vote.
• The Candidate: Mayor Anthony Marsh (joined party 6 days ago).

Democracy on Trial

For political observers, the Nepean saga is a case study in the tension between winning and representation. The party elite argues that Marsh, a local mayor with high name recognition, is the best bet to retain the seat. The grassroots argue that a candidate imposed from above lacks legitimacy. It is a friction familiar to any voter who has watched a chaotic party primary in Kenya.

Marsh defends his run, citing his local roots: “I went to school here, lived here... and have worked and represented this community.” But for the rank-and-file members denied a vote, his resume is secondary to the principle of choice.

As the February 24 vote approaches—restricted to the 18-member executive and a handful of locals—the Liberal Party risks winning a seat but losing its soul. A party at war with itself rarely conquers the electorate.