Western Victoria MP Simon Ramsay to bow out at next election after caught drink-driving

WESTERN Victoria MP Simon Ramsay won’t recontest the next election after he was caught driving almost four times over the legal limit.

Simon Ramsay will not contest the November election. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

A STATE Liberal MP busted drink-driving at almost four times the limit will not contest the November election.

Simon Ramsay, who represents Western Victoria in the Legislative Council, said tonight he was “deeply remorseful” for his actions and would step down from politics.

Mr Ramsay had met with Opposition Leader Matthew Guy to discuss his future, after skipping a party room meeting.

He was breathalysed by Bellarine police on Saturday night and blew .19.

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The party’s Right had already been eyeing Mr Ramsay’s Upper House spot, with young powerbrokers agitating for “generational change”.

But one source said Corangamite councillor Bev McArthur, who serves on the party’s powerful administrative committee, would also be in the mix.

Mr Ramsay released a statement late today.

“I have met with Matthew Guy and advised him I will not recontest the next election,” Mr Ramsay said.

Victorian Opposition Leader Matthew Guy with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull last week. Picture: Penny Stephens

“I am deeply remorseful for my actions and apologise for my error of judgment.

“I also regret any embarrassment and hurt caused to my family, friends, colleagues and the Liberal Party.”

Mr Ramsay resigned as shadow parliamentary secretary on the weekend in the aftermath of the incident.

He had been at a Barwon Heads Football Club lunch on Saturday, held at waterfront restaurant At The Heads.

Mr Ramsay posted an image on social media from the event with the caption, “Proud to be part of the Matthew Guy team supporting local sporting clubs” at 4.35pm.

It is understood Mr Ramsay rode his bike home from the lunch, but was later caught drink-driving by police after attending dinner with a friend, by which time he had consumed several beverages.

At 11.30pm police nabbed a 63-year-old Barwon Heads man — understood to be Mr Ramsay — swerving onto the wrong side of the road on Carr St, just a few hundred metres from the luncheon location.

“I will again express my anger, disappointment and frustration that he would drink drive, let alone drink drive to that extent,” Mr Guy said yesterday.

“I accept everyone mucks up in life and I accept everyone makes mistakes but as a sitting Member of Parliament, to do this, leaves me very angry.”

Mr Ramsay said he felt “like an idiot” and the consequences of his “inexcusable” actions would haunt him forever.

“It has been a great honour to represent the people of Western Victoria,” he said.

“In the former government, the work done with the Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee that reported on an inquiry into the supply and use of methamphetamine remains something I am very proud of.

“Eight years ago, working on my farm, I realised I could do more for farmers and country Victoria.”

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