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 replaces 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.”
Mr Tarzia made a shock resignation on Friday, saying his time in the role had been “very challenging”.
Ms Hurn is the second female leader of the SA Liberals in history, following Isobel Redmond.
“There is no doubt that we have an absolute mountain to climb between now and next March, 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,” she said.
Ms Hurn said she would be holding a fuller press conference later this morning to answer questions on her policy platform.
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