South Australia’s opposition leader has suddenly resigned after considering what was best for him and his family.
David Speirs announced on Thursday that he would step down as leader of the South Australian Liberal Party, a position he has held since 2022.
The Labor Party led by Peter Malinauskas had won the state election at the time, ousting Liberal Party Premier Steven Marshall and making way for Mr Speirs.
But after months of pressure from his party colleagues, who worried that the Liberals would not make it through the next election in 2026, he stepped aside. The Advertiser reported.
In a statement, Mr Speirs said his resignation would give the next leader of the Liberal Party “the best possible chance of success”, in just over 18 months.
“This has not been an easy decision, but I believe it is in the best interests of me and my family,” he said.
‘I used the winter break to reflect on my priorities and to talk extensively with family and friends about my future.
‘Ultimately, I want to spend more time with them, but the demands of the leadership role make that difficult.’
South Australia’s opposition party leader David Speirs (pictured) has resigned
The Liberal politician moved to Australia from Scotland with his family at the age of 17 and is “tremendously proud” to have become leader of the Liberal Party in South Australia (pictured with his mother Mary)
The politician said he would remain as Black MP but wanted to ensure a new leader had enough time to prepare for the election.
“I look forward to doing my part to support the next leader of the Liberal Party, who will deliver a new and strong alternative government to the people of South Australia,” he said.
Mr Speirs, who first became a member of parliament in 2014, moved to Australia from Scotland with his parents and two younger brothers in 2002 at the age of 17.
“I am extremely proud to have gone from being an overseas migrant who settled in the southern suburbs of Adelaide as a teenager to becoming the leader of the South Australian Liberal Party,” he said.
‘And highlights the incredible opportunities available to all South Australians in this special state.’
The politician (pictured) decided to step down after mounting pressure from his own party that they would not win the 2026 elections with him at the helm
Speirs’ vice-chairman, John Gardner, is widely seen as his replacement, which would also help the party avoid a vote.
Insiders are also backing health spokesman Ashton Hurn, who is currently on maternity leave, but it is suspected she is not interested in the leadership role.