Liberal infighting erupts in Nepean as executive sidelines branch to back mayor dubbed ‘Sam Groth 2.0’

Exclusive: Victorian executive fast-tracks Mornington Peninsula mayor as former deputy opposition leader's successor in byelection

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A battle has erupted over who will represent the Liberal party in a byelection sparked by the resignation of the former deputy Victorian leader Sam Groth, with local branch members to be denied a vote.

Guardian Australia can reveal that a majority of the party's state executive (formerly known as the administrative committee) is set to back Mornington Peninsula's mayor, Anthony Marsh, as Groth's successor in a vote planned for 24 February.