Victorian Greens co-deputy leader Sam Hibbins will quit the state party room after revealing he had a “consensual relationship” with a staff member in his office.
Hibbins, the member for Prahran, released a statement on Friday morning, saying the relationship ended “sometime ago” but it was a breach of the party room rules. He will sit as an independent MP.
The MP, who is married with two children, said the relationship was “a significant error of judgment” and he understood “the distress this has caused”.
“I accept the consequences of my decisions that affect my personal and professional lives. I am working to make amends to the most important people in my life, my family and our communit,” he said.
“I’ve always worked hard to advance the Greens’ cause, and know this is a distraction from my work and the work of the Greens, but I remain committed to serving my electorate of Prahran.”
Hibbins, said he understood this incident would “shake people’s trust in politicians” at a time when “people are struggling and are already disengaged from politics”.
“We are human, and we make mistakes,” he said.
“The important thing is making amends and focusing on what really matters. For me, it’s my beautiful family.”
Hibbins said he would continue to fight for “the fantastic community I love and live in, Prahran”.
Hibbins has been the MP for Prahran since 2014. He holds the seat on a 12% margin.
