A Victorian MP has resigned from the parliamentary Labor party after an alleged “serious assault” which has been referred to police by the premier’s office.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said he “sought and received” the resignation of Will Fowles, the member for Ringwood in Melbourne’s east, on Saturday night.

Mr Andrews said the state government was advised about an incident — allegedly involving a staff member — on Thursday.

“My office made further inquiries over Friday 4 and Saturday 5 August and has now received information from a government employee about an alleged serious assault by the Member for Ringwood,” Mr Andrews said in a statement.

“My office referred the matter to Victoria Police on Saturday evening.”

The premier said the person who had lodged the complaint against Mr Fowles was being supported and their privacy should be respected.

“The wellbeing of staff and their right to a safe workplace is not negotiable,” said the premier’s statement.

It is not clear whether Mr Fowles will remain in parliament as an independent.

In 2019, Mr Fowles revealed he was battling “addiction” and mental health issues after he kicked in a door at a Canberra hotel to get to his luggage.

While apologising for that early morning hotel rampage, Mr Fowles explained that he was in treatment for his substance abuse issues.

At the time Mr Andrews said the Ringwood MP continued to have his support.

Mr Fowles was elected to Victorian state Parliament in 2018.

Previously, one of his biggest claims to fame was being accidentally elected to the Melbourne Cricket Club committee at the age of 26, after Steve Vizard withdrew his nomination.

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