As the South Australian Liberals are headed for a historic defeat in the Dunstan byelection, leader David Speirs has rejected claims his future hangs in limbo.
Breaking his silence today, the opposition leader told 9News he too “canvassed” that very question but maintained his leadership is “100 per cent secure”.
“If I thought there was someone better to lead this party at this point in time I would step aside,” he said.
“But my colleagues don’t think that and I don’t either.”
Yesterday Vincent Tarzia refused to confirm or deny a leadership challenge.
The Member for Hartley told 9News today his focus was on his family, electorate and serving as a loyal member of the Liberals team.
Sources have said Tarzia didn’t have the numbers to win.
“Is someone better Vincent Tarzia? Ah well my colleagues don’t think to seem so,” Speirs said.
The leader conceded that internal feuding needed to be brought under control.
“I’m reflecting on how can we create discipline, how can we appeal to a broader range of people,” Speirs said.
Voters are yet to learn who will succeed former premier Steve Marshall in the seat of Dunstan with both Labor and Liberals seeing a significant fall in their primary votes.
Premier Peter Malinauskas denied the results of the byelection were a wake-up call for his government too.
“We’re just going to keep getting on with the task, the state’s got some really big opportunities for us,” he said.
A massive surge in support for the Greens, who are tipped to direct their preferences to Labor, will likely bolster Labor to victory.
Greens co-parliamentary leader Rob Simms said he had high ambitions for his party.
“I think Sturt is now within reach … could snatch Heysen,” he said.
“Labor and Liberals are sinking like a stone.”
