Key Takeaways
- The South Australian Liberal party is set to choose a new leader on Monday after Vincent Tarzia’s surprise departure from the role.
- Ashton Hurn has emerged as a frontrunner for the leadership position, with several colleagues expressing their support for her.
- Frank Pangallo has admitted to seeking advice about becoming deputy leader, despite Josh Teague saying the position is not vacant.
- The Liberal party will hold a party room meeting on Monday to decide on the new leader and potentially the deputy leader.
- The upcoming March state election is likely to be a significant factor in the party’s decision-making process.
Introduction to the Liberal Party Leadership Crisis
The South Australian Liberal party is facing a leadership crisis after Vincent Tarzia’s sudden departure from the top job on Friday. The party will hold a meeting on Monday to choose a new leader, with Ashton Hurn emerging as a frontrunner for the position. Hurn, the opposition’s health spokesperson and Member for Schubert, has not confirmed her candidacy, but several colleagues have already expressed their support for her. The situation is complex, with Frank Pangallo, a high-profile recruit to the party, admitting to seeking advice about becoming deputy leader, despite the incumbent, Josh Teague, saying the position is not vacant.
The Leadership Contest
The leadership contest is set to be a significant event in the party’s history, with several candidates potentially throwing their hats into the ring. Ashton Hurn is seen as a strong contender, with her experience as health spokesperson and her popularity among colleagues making her a formidable candidate. However, she has not yet confirmed her candidacy, saying only that she is "continuing my conversations with colleagues." Other candidates may also emerge, and the party room meeting on Monday will be a crucial event in determining the party’s future leadership.
Frank Pangallo’s Ambitions
Frank Pangallo, a 71-year-old upper house MP and former independent, has admitted to seeking advice about becoming deputy leader. Despite Josh Teague saying the position is not vacant, Pangallo has expressed his interest in the role, saying "if the opportunity was there I would certainly consider it." However, he also acknowledged that the party’s protocol may preclude him from taking on the position. Pangallo’s comments have sparked interest, with Premier Peter Malinauskas commenting on the situation, saying "there’s clearly a number of people interested in positions of leadership in the Liberal Party. Frank Pangallo’s one of them."
Josh Teague’s Position
Josh Teague, the current deputy leader, has made it clear that he will continue in his role, saying "I’m the deputy leader of the Liberal Party, I’ll continue in that role, there is no vacancy in that role." Teague’s statement has put paid to any speculation about his position, and it seems unlikely that he will be challenged for the deputy leadership. However, the situation remains complex, with Pangallo’s comments suggesting that he may still be interested in the position. The party room meeting on Monday will be crucial in determining the party’s future leadership and resolving any outstanding issues.
The Aftermath of Vincent Tarzia’s Departure
Vincent Tarzia’s sudden departure from the leadership has sent shockwaves through the party, with many members expressing their surprise and disappointment. Pangallo described himself as "deeply disappointed and shocked" by the news, saying that Tarzia was "really hitting the right strides and starting to make an impact." The situation is complex, with the party facing a difficult period ahead of the March state election. The party’s new leader will need to hit the ground running, and the choice of leader will be crucial in determining the party’s future success.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
The South Australian Liberal party is facing a significant challenge in the aftermath of Vincent Tarzia’s departure. The party room meeting on Monday will be a crucial event in determining the party’s future leadership, and the choice of leader will have significant implications for the party’s success in the March state election. With Ashton Hurn emerging as a frontrunner and Frank Pangallo expressing his interest in the deputy leadership, the situation is complex and unpredictable. However, one thing is clear: the party needs to come together and choose a leader who can take them forward and provide a strong challenge to the incumbent government. The next few days will be crucial in determining the party’s future, and the outcome is far from certain.
