A party room meeting to elect a new leader will be held on Aug. 12.
South Australian Liberal Party Leader David Speirs has stepped down from his position 19 months out from the next state election.
Speirs cited spending “more quality time” with family and friends as the reason for resigning from the leadership.
“With just over 18 months until the next state election, I feel now is the right time to depart from the role and give the next Leader the best possible opportunity to succeed in 2026.”
The Liberal member for Black, 39, will continue to represent his electorate, where he was elected in 2014.
Speirs said he was proud of what he achieved as leader, including spearheading a rebuild following the “devastating” 2022 state election loss.
“This has included reconnecting with regional South Australians, those in the suburbs, and working closely with communities and industry groups to support strong policy development, on track to be announced well ahead of 2026,” he said.
“To be able to go from an overseas migrant who settled in the southern suburbs of Adelaide as a teenager, to become the Leader of the South Australian Liberal Party, is something I am immensely proud of, and highlights the incredible opportunities available to all South Australians in this remarkable state.”
Speirs said it had been an absolutely privilege and honour to serve as leader.
New Leader to Be Decided Within Days
A party room meeting to decide on a new leader will be held on Aug. 12.
The Epoch Times understands experienced Deputy Liberal Leader John Gardner and Vincent Tarzia could be considering a tilt for the top job.
SA Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas acknowledged and thanked Speirs for his service, adding “being leader of the Opposition is a really difficult job.”
“I’m very grateful for David Speirs, we had a professional relationship on a range of matters. I’ve always enjoyed a really good professional cordial relations with David Speirs, I’ve got some regard for him as an individual.”
The next South Australian state election is due on March 21, 2026.