Shock as South Australian Liberal leader David Speirs quits after weeks of mounting pressure
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South Australia's opposition leader has suddenly resigned after reflecting on what is best for him and his family.
David Speirs announced on Thursday he would be stepping down as South Australia's Liberal Party leader, a position he has held since 2022.
At the time, the Labor Party under Peter Malinauskas had been victorious in the state election, ousting the Liberal premier Steven Marshall and making way for Mr Speirs to take over.
But after months of pressure from his fellow party members who have been worried that the liberals were not going to succeed at the next election due in 2026, he stepped aside, The Advertiser reported.
In a statement Mr Speirs said that by resigning he is giving the next Liberal leader 'the best possible chance to succeed' in just over 18 months time.
'This has not been an easy decision, however I believe it is in my best interests and that of my family,' he said.
'I have used the midwinter break to reflect on my priorities and to speak with family and friends at length about my future.
'Ultimately, I want to spend more quality time with them and the demands of the role as leader makes this difficult.'
The leader of the state opposition party in South Australia, David Speirs (pictured), has resigned
The liberal politician moved to Australia with his family when he was 17 from Scotland and is 'immensely proud' of becoming the leader of the liberal party in South Australia (pictured with his mother Mary)
The politician said he would stay on as MP for Black, but wanted to make sure a new leader had enough time to get ready for the election.
'I look forward to playing my part in supporting the next leader of the Liberal Party in offering a fresh 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 with his parents and two younger brothers from Scotland when he was 17 in 2002.
'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,' he said.
'And highlights the incredible opportunities available to all South Australians in this remarkable state.'
The politician (pictured) decided to step down after mounting pressure from his own party that they would not win the 2026 election with him at the helm
Mr Speirs deputy leader, John Gardner, is seen by many as his replacement, which would also help the party avoid a ballot.
But insiders are also showing support for health spokeswoman Ashton Hurn who is currently on maternity leave, although it is believed she may not be interested in the leadership role.
