Ryan Smith, Warrandyte MP resigns in blow to Liberal leader John Pesutto

The Victorian Liberals could be facing a repeat of the Aston by-election after veteran MP Ryan Smith quit in a fresh test for leader John Pesutto.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto is facing his first major electoral test, with a by-election looming in Warrandyte following the sudden resignation of MP Ryan Smith.

Mr Smith announced his resignation on Wednesday morning, after confiding in some colleagues overnight.

Mr Pesutto, who was not personally notified of the resignation, said he would “throw everything” at a by-election in a bid to retain the seat.

The seat has been held by the Liberal Party since 1988, and was comfortably retained at last year’s election despite Mr Smith suffering a small swing against his primary vote share.

Pollster Kos Samaras, a director with RedBridge, said the by-election could produce a similar shock result as seen in April in the federal seat of Aston.

Ryan Smith won the past five elections in the Warrandyte electorate.

It was the first time in a century a federal government won a seat from opposition at a by-election with Labor taking the seat from the Liberal Party.

“The Warrandyte by – election, in part, could be a mini Aston,” Mr Samaras said.

“The electorate is basically in three parts. Along its northern borders, the combined Labor and Greens vote has been steadily increasing over several elections.

“Across to the west, the Liberal Party has been losing the two party preferred battle across most Doncaster-based polling places.

“It’s within the southern part of the electorate where the Liberal Party will hope to hold its ground and avoid a repeat of what occurred at the Aston by-election earlier this year.

“On paper, it’s demographically a strong seat for the Liberal Party.”

The Liberals currently hold the seat with a 4 per cent margin.

After entering parliament in 2006 Mr Smith served as Minister for Environment and Climate Change and Minister for Youth Affairs as part of the Baillieu government.

Mary Doyle after winning the Aston by election. Picture: Tony Gough

He has also served in various shadow ministry positions including most recently Shadow Minister for Finance, for Planning and Heritage and for Suburban Recovery.

He was dumped from the shadow cabinet when Mr Pesutto won a leadership challenge in December.

Party figures have accused Mr Smith of being a longtime agitator and destabilising figure within the party room.

He unsuccessfully challenged for the leadership in December.

In his statement of resignation, Mr Smith said he had become increasingly uncomfortable with the growing negative tone of politics “both internally and more broadly”.

“After over 16 years serving as the Member for Warrandyte, and with a great deal of consideration, I have decided it is time to bring this chapter of my life to a close,” he said.

Mr Smith thanked his community for its support over five election wins.

“My hope is that you believed I did my best to represent you and to be responsive to your needs,” Mr Smith said.

MPs Richard Riordan and Ryan Smith arrive at Parliament House. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“Whenever the cut and thrust of politics made me question my career choices, spending time in our community always gave me the positive answer why.”

Mr Smith also thanked the party-faithful.

“Whether it be handing out How to Vote cards or nominating to be a candidate, you are the foundation of our movement,” he said.

“I ask you to never forget our values and principles and to remind those who do.”

He thanked his staff, saying he could not have asked for better.

“I wish the next Member for Warrandyte the very best of luck and remain optimistic that the contest of ideas will ultimately provide Victoria with its best days ahead.”

Mr Pesutto said he wanted to pay tribute to Mr Smith.

“He’s served in very senior rolls which is a testament to his capacity to contribute,” he said.

“I know he’s been a very active representative of the people of Warrandyte.

“I think parties go through periods of transition constantly, and so you’ve got to accept that this is part of the process of being a strong opposition that’s working its way towards government,” he said.

Premier Daniel Andrews said it would be up to his party’s administration whether Labor would contest the seat.

“It’s a great opportunity, a great honour and a great privilege to represent the community that we live in,” he said.

“I wish him and his family well.”

Mr Smith’s last day in parliament will be July 7.