Former Victorian Premier and Member for South West Coast Denis Napthine has announced his retirement from politics.

Dr Napthine spent nearly 30 years in office representing south west Victoria, spending more than a year and half of that as Premier.

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In a statement, Dr Napthine said it had been an “absolute honour and privilege” to work as the Member for Portland and South West Coast.

“To live, work and represent this magnificent part of Victoria has been a great joy and I have loved representing this region each and every day,” Dr Napthine said.

“I bow out of parliamentary life with many happy memories, with lifelong friends and, hopefully, a record that says I made a difference to this State which I love so much and have been so proud and honoured to serve.”