Liberal MP Simon Ramsay will leave Victorian politics at the next election after being caught driving on the wrong side of the road in a drunken state on the weekend.
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The upper house MP for western Victoria who once had a strong presence in Ballarat, issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon saying he had told Opposition Leader Matthew Guy of his decision to step down over the incident.
IN a statement Mr Ramsay , a former VFF president and western district farmer said he had met with opposition leader Matthew Guy on Tuesday and advised him he would not contest the November election.
On Monday an angry Mr Guy said he had asked Mr Ramsay to "reflect upon his future" in politics.
“I am deeply remorseful for my actions and apologise for my error of judgement,” Mr Ramsay wrote.
“I also regret any embarrassment and hurt caused to my family, friends, colleagues and the Liberal Party.”
Police pulled the MP over after they spotted him driving on the wrong side of the road late on Saturday night in Barwon Heads.
He later blew a blood-alcohol reading of 0.19 per cent, almost four times over the legal limit of .05.
He faces charges for his drink-driving offence and the cancellation of his licence for up to two years.
His western Victorian electorate is the second largest in the state, stretching from Melbourne's western fringe to the South Australian border.
Mr Ramsay listed his work in the former Government with the Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee into the supply and use of methamphetamine as he something he remained very proud of.
The first spot on the Liberal party upper house ticket will now fall vacant with number two position currently held by Western Victorian MP Joshua Morris.
