Former premier Denis Napthine and one of his most senior ministers, Terry Mulder, are expected to bow out of politics next week, paving the way for dual byelections in their neighbouring western district seats.
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Dr Napthine leaves after a 27 year career in State Parliament, including 20 months as premier.
The resignations come less than a year after the Coalition's historic November 2014 election loss, with byelections in Dr Napthine's Liberal seat of South West Coast, held by 11 per cent, and Mr Mulder's adjacent seat of Polwarth, held by 10.6 per cent, now imminent.
A senior Labor source said the party did not intend to contest the seats "at this stage". That means the vote is likely to be relatively straight forward, although there could be a two-cornered contest between the Liberal and National parties.
A senior Nationals source said the party was considering contesting the seats.
Dr Napthine entered parliament in 1988, serving as opposition leader from 1999 to 2002. The former vet took over as premier in March 2013 after the forced resignation of Ted Baillieu.
Dr Napthine, who also served as a minister during the Kennett era, attempted to revive the Coalition's flagging political fortunes with an ambitious infrastructure program, including the controversial East West Link.
The pair will follow former Nationals leader Peter Ryan into retirement.
Mr Mulder entered parliament in 1999, and was transport minister over the entire last term.
The resignations will force the Liberal Party to inject new blood.
