Victorian Liberal MP Ryan Smith has announced he is resigning from politics and will step down from state parliament on July 7, trigging a by-election 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.Smith flagged 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. The Liberals hold Warrandyte by a 4.2 per cent margin.The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights.
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