Ashton Hurn Emerges as Frontrunner in South Australian Liberal Leadership Race
Following the unexpected resignation of Vincent Tarzia, South Australian Liberal frontbencher Ashton Hurn has officially announced her candidacy for party leadership, setting the stage for a crucial party room meeting on Monday. The contest comes with the state election looming in March, adding significant pressure to the selection process.
The opposition’s health spokesperson and member for Schubert confirmed her intention to seek the leadership after receiving encouragement from colleagues over the weekend. “Having been encouraged by my colleagues over the weekend, I have decided to put myself forward as a candidate to lead the Liberal Party to the next state election,” Hurn stated. She added that she will respect the party room process and address the media following the meeting.
Support Rallies Behind Hurn
Hurn’s candidacy has already garnered public support from within the Liberal party. Upper house MP Ben Hood expressed his backing on Saturday, stating, “I spoke briefly with Ashton [on Friday] and expressed my support to her should she choose to take the leadership. I think she would be a tremendous leader.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by fellow upper house MP Nicola Centofanti, who described Hurn as “an excellent leader if she decided to put her hand up,” adding, “If that were to be the case, it’s something that I would support wholeheartedly.”
Currently, Hurn is the sole Liberal MP to formally declare her intention to vie for the leadership position.
Pangallo Eyes Deputy Role Amidst Leadership Uncertainty
Prior to Hurn’s announcement, high-profile Liberal recruit Frank Pangallo publicly praised her as a “very good candidate” who would benefit the party. “I’m there to support the leaders of the Liberal Party and also the directions they want to take the party. If it’s Ashton Hurn, I certainly look forward to it,” he said.
However, Pangallo also revealed he explored the possibility of running for deputy leader, despite the incumbent, Josh Teague, asserting the position is not vacant. Pangallo, a 71-year-old upper house MP and former independent, was unveiled as the Liberal candidate for the Labor-held seat of Waite in August alongside Tarzia.
When questioned about his interest in the deputy leadership, Pangallo admitted, “If I could I probably would, but I don’t think I can be.” He acknowledged that party protocol may preclude such a move but confirmed he had sought advice on the matter. “I’m not in there just to sit on the backbench and twiddle my thumbs,” he added, emphasizing his commitment to actively contributing to the party’s success.
Teague Remains Firm on Deputy Leadership
Shadow Attorney-General Josh Teague has maintained his position as deputy leader, stating firmly, “I’m the deputy leader of the Liberal Party, I’ll continue in that role, there is no vacancy in that role.” He also clarified that, according to party rules, an upper house MP is ineligible for the deputy leadership position. Despite previously seeking the top job himself, Teague confirmed he will not be contesting the leadership on Monday.
Pangallo later indicated he would support Teague should he seek to retain the deputy leadership, stating, “If Josh puts his hand up to run as deputy leader I’ll support him.”
Tarzia’s Departure and Premier’s Response
Tarzia’s resignation on Friday, less than 16 months into his tenure, came as a shock to many. Pangallo described the situation as Tarzia having “got served a faecal sandwich” upon assuming the role, highlighting the challenges he faced. “I was sorry to see him go,” Pangallo added.
Premier Peter Malinauskas acknowledged the internal dynamics within the Liberal Party, stating, “There’s clearly a number of people interested in positions of leadership in the Liberal Party. Frank Pangallo’s one of them. That’s for the Liberal Party to decide.”
The Liberal party room meeting on Monday will be pivotal in determining the future direction of the party as it heads into a critical state election.
