Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber quits

Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber has quit parliament, effective immediately, and says he plans to do some fishing and consider his future.

Greg Barber

Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber has quit parliament, effective immediately. (AAP)

Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber has quit parliament after 11 years in Spring Street and his political rivals say they'll miss him.

Mr Barber announced on Thursday he was leaving, effective immediately, and his replacement Samantha Ratnam would be sworn in soon.

"I've been a very busy Green, for more than 15 years. I'm going to have a little rest, do some fishing and think about my future plans," he said in a statement.

"Balance of power in both houses (in 2018) is a real possibility but I won't be contesting."

The Greens party room will meet soon to discuss a new leader.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said Mr Barber was a "fabulous individual".

"Greg is a quirky character ... I'm genuinely going to miss him," he told reporters.

Acting Labor premier Jacinta Allan thanked Mr Barber for his "contribution to both community life and the parliament" and wished him the best for the future.

Mr Barber thanked voters for electing him three times and Green members for supporting him.

"(I) want to particularly thank my original 2006 Green MP mates Sue (Pennicuik) and Colleen (Hartland) for their support during many challenging times and for the celebrations of many great milestones," Mr Barber said.

Ms Ratnam is mayor of Moreland in Melbourne's inner north and it's understood she will be sworn in at the next parliamentary sitting week.


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Source: AAP



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