Victorian Liberal MP Ryan Smith quits politics, triggering byelection

Victorian Liberal MP Ryan Smith has announced he is resigning from politics and will step down from state parliament on July 7, triggering a byelection in his electorate north-east of Melbourne.

After 16 years in parliament, the member for Warrandyte says the “growing negative tone of politics” played a part in his decision to quit.

Victorian Liberal MP Ryan Smith is resigning from politics.Credit: ABC

Smith signalled his intention to run for the Liberal leadership after last year’s election in November, but eventually pulled out of the race to support unsuccessful candidate Brad Battin.

“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,” Smith said in a statement.

“I have been privileged to hold this role and believe that many who choose this career do so with their communities’ best interests in mind. However, amongst other reasons, I have become increasingly uncomfortable with the growing negative tone of politics, both internally and more broadly.”

The MP’s resignation will trigger a byelection and be a test of Opposition Leader John Pesutto’s leadership. The Liberals hold Warrandyte by a 4.2 per cent margin.

Pesutto addressed the media on Wednesday morning and said he learned of Smith’s resignation like the wider public, by reading his statement.

“ I think we all need to respect the way Ryan wanted to own the way he wanted to make these announcements,” he said.

The opposition leader added that the Liberals will “throw everything” at Warrandyte to retain the seat.

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“I’ll be working, obviously, with the membership and the leadership of the organisational side of the party to make sure we choose the strongest candidate. I would very much like to see a woman in amongst the candidates.”

The Liberals expect the byelection to be held in mid to late August.

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