South Australia's opposition leader, Vincent Tarzia, has resigned three months before the state election, marking the fourth Liberal leadership change nationally in less than a month. Tarzia announced the surprise decision on Friday, insisting he was not pushed despite opinion polls suggesting the Liberals face a comprehensive defeat at the 21 March poll.
Liberal sources indicated that shadow health minister Ashton Hurn, 34, is the frontrunner to replace him. Last week, Tarzia had insisted he would lead the party to the election, and Hurn stated she would not challenge him after reports of disastrous internal polling sparked leadership speculation.
If Hurn becomes leader, she would be the third new female Liberal leader in weeks, following Jess Wilson in Victoria and Kellie Sloane in New South Wales. The Australian Capital Territory Liberals also changed leaders in November, with Mark Parton replacing Leanne Castley.
Tarzia, who took over after former leader David Spiers resigned amid scandal, has struggled to dent the popularity of Labor Premier Peter Malinauskas. He said he resigned on his own terms, with no colleague pushing him. He will remain in parliament and try to retain his seat of Hartley.
Tarzia declined to name his preferred successor but said he would support whoever the party room chooses. Hurn, a former media adviser to ex-premier Steven Marshall, is the sister of former West Coast Eagles captain Shannon Hurn.
