Victorian MP Sam Hibbins quits Greens party after brief affair with staffer

A Greens MP has quit the state party room after admitting to a “short relationship” with an office staffer.

Victorian Greens MP Sam Hibbins has quit the state party room after admitting to a brief affair with a staffer from his office.

Mr Hibbins, who is married with two children, has held the seat of Prahan since 2014.

In a statement, the 42-year old said he recognised his decision was a significant error of judgment and understood the distress it had caused.

“This short relationship ended some time ago, but it does breach our party room rules,” he said.

“I accept the consequences of my decisions that affect my personal and professional lives.”

Mr Hibbins was the co-deputy leader of the Victorian Greens alongside Sarah Mansfield but has since been removed from the party’s website.

Victorian MP Sam Hibbins admitted to an affair with an office staffer in a video on Facebook where he announced he was leaving the Victorian Greens for breaching party room rules. Picture: Facebook

He was one of the first two Greens members to be elected to Victoria’s Legislative Assembly in the same year as state party leader Ellen Sandell.

Mr Hibbins said he left the party with goodwill towards his former Greens colleagues and wished them well in the future.

“I deeply regret what has happened. I have made a very human mistake, but I am working to find the best way forward,” he said.

“I am working to make amends to the most important people in my life, my family and our community.”

Before entering parliament, Mr Hibbins was a City of Stonnington councillor and worked as a Department of Human Services youth worker.

The MP will continue in the seat of Prahan as an independent.

Ms Sandell is expected to address the media on Friday.

Originally published as Victorian MP Sam Hibbins quits Greens party after brief affair with staffer