Victorian Greens MP Sam Hibbins announces he will QUIT the party after admitting to having an affair with one of his staffers
Victorian Greens co-deputy Sam Hibbins has announced he will quit the party after admitting to a consensual relationship with a staffer.
The father-of-two, 42, posted a statement on his social media on Friday saying the “brief” relationship had broken party room rules.
The Prahan MP said the relationship had ended some time ago and he would now focus on “making amends” and his “beautiful family.”
“I had a consensual relationship with an employee of my office,” he said.
‘I recognize that this was a significant error of judgment and understand the distress this has caused. This short relationship ended some time ago, but is against our party room rules.
‘I accept the consequences of my decisions that affect my personal and professional life. I am working to make amends with the most important people in my life, my family and our community.
‘I deeply regret what happened. I made a very human error, but I am working to find the best path forward.”
Mr Hibbins, who has held the seat of Prahan in Melbourne’s south-east since 2014, will remain on the crossbench as an independent.
Victorian Greens co-deputy Sam Hibbins (pictured) has announced he will quit the party after admitting to a consensual relationship with a staffer
“I have always worked hard to advance the cause of the Greens, and I know this is a distraction from my work and the work of the Greens, but I remain committed to serving my electorate of Prahran,” his statement continued .
‘I leave the party room with goodwill towards my Greens colleagues. They do a great job. I wish them the best in the future.’
In March, Mr Hibbins wished his “amazing, beautiful” wife a happy 40th birthday in a now-deleted post on his social media.
The following month, the MP became a co-delegate of the Greens after former leader Samantha Ratnam announced she was leaving state politics.
There’s more to come.