Victorian Greens co-deputy Sam Hibbins has announced he will quit the party after admitting to having a consensual relationship with a staffer.
The father-of-two, 42, posted a statement to his social media on Friday where he said the ‘short’ relationship had broken party room rules.
The Prahan MP said the relationship had ended some time ago and that he would now be focusing on ‘making amends’ and his ‘beautiful family’.
‘I’ve had a consensual relationship with a staff member from my office,’ he said.
‘I recognise this was a significant error of judgment and understand the distress this has caused. This short relationship ended some time ago, but it does breach our party room rules.
‘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 community.
‘I deeply regret what has happened. I have made a very human mistake, but I am working to find the best way forward.’
Mr Hibbins has held the seat of Prahan in Melbourne’s inner south-east since 2014, and will continue to sit on the crossbench as an independent.
Victorian Greens co-deputy Sam Hibbins (pictured) has announced he will quit the party after admitting to having a consensual relationship with a staffer
‘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,’ his statement continued.
‘I leave the party room with goodwill towards my Greens colleagues. They’re doing a terrific job. I wish them well 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 co-deputy of the Greens after former leader Samantha Ratnam announced she would quit state politics.