South Australian Liberal frontbencher and first-term MP Ashton Hurn has been unanimously elected to lead the party at the March state election.
The opposition’s health spokesperson and member for the seat of Schubert had been widely tipped to replace Vincent Tarzia, who stepped down from the top job on Friday.
The leadership change comes just over three months out from the March 21 poll, and was confirmed by Ms Hurn a short time ago.
“The party room and my colleagues unanimously supported me to be their leader to take the party to the next election which is just 103 days away,” she said.
“I’d like to take this moment to sincerely thank our former leader Vincent Tarzia for his dedication and his service over the last 16 months.”
Ms Hurn says she was elected unopposed. (ABC News: Che Chorley)
In November, Ms Hurn was adamant Mr Tarzia would lead the party to the March election.
“We’re focused on March, and Vincent will be our leader,” Ms Hurn said.
But following Mr Tarzia’s shock resignation on Friday, she said she had “decided to put myself forward as a candidate” to lead the party.
On Friday, Mr Tarzia stressed the decision, which he said was made with his wife, had been made of “his own accord”.
“There’s a reason why they say it’s the worst job in politics. It’s been a very challenging role, but it’s also been an absolute privilege,” he said.
Ms Hurn confirmed her appointment as leader at parliament on Monday morning. (ABC News: Che Chorley)
Ms Hurn is the second female leader of the SA Liberals in history, following Isobel Redmond, and had emerged as a frontrunner to replace Mr Tarzia, with several colleagues backing her over the weekend.
“There is no doubt that we have an absolute mountain to climb between now and next March,” Ms Hurn said.
“But my team and I are absolutely committed to making sure that we get to work for the people of South Australia and that we provide them with a real choice at the next election.”
In a press conference later on Monday, Ms Hurn said health and community safety were among key issues that would be “the battleground of the next election”.
“Over the next 103 days, my team and I will be making sure the people of this state understand what choice they have for what our future looks like here in South Australia,” she said.
“So, there’s a choice between having lower cost and a more affordable South Australia or having higher cost and more waste.
“There’s a choice between having a better health system for people and patients and staff or having record ramping and having hospitals that are bursting at the seams.
“There’s also a choice between having a safe community, a strong community or having more crime with no consequences.”
Ashton Hurn says her colleagues have encouraged her to step up. (ABC News: Che Chorley)
Ms Hurn said the SA Liberal Party would repeal the SA Voice to Parliament if elected at the next state election.
The new Liberal leader said she would take the next few days to consider her shadow cabinet.
“I’m keen to keep some continuity, but at the same time there will be changes,” she said.