STONNINGTON: O’Brien to retire as Malvern MP
Malvern MLA Michael O’Brien (pictured) will retire from politics ahead of next year’s State election, reports the Herald Sun.
Mr O’Brien, a former Opposition Leader, first entered Parliament in 2006.
Mr O’Brien’s announcement will increase pressure on State Opposition Leader Brad Battin to reshuffle his shadow cabinet as the 2026 state election draws closer.
Mr O’Brien served as Treasurer under Premier Denis Nap-thine, and went on to lead the party following the Coalition’s \election loss in 2018.
Mr O’Brien has served as shadow Attorney-General since 2022, and has resisted any suggestion of returning to the leadership in recent months as pressure has mounted on incumbent Mr Battin.
“I leave with deep gratitude to the people of the Malvern electorate who have entrusted me to represent them at five successive elections,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Serving them as the Member for Malvern in the Parliament of Victoria has been the greatest honour of my professional life.
“Not a day of their trust has been taken for granted and I hope they know that I have always worked diligently for them and will continue to do so.”
“I wish Opposition Leader Brad Battin, Nationals Leader Danny O’Brien and the Liberal Nationals team the very best for the next election. “Victoria desperately needs a new direction, fresh leadership and a responsible government.
“They will continue to have my strong support.”