Hon David Speirs MP, the current Leader of the Opposition in South Australia, has announced his resignation as head of the South Australian Liberal Party. His decision was communicated to his colleagues in the parliament today. Speirs cited the desire to spend more time with his family and personal well-being as his primary reasons for stepping down.
In a statement released this afternoon, Speirs shared that he used the recent mid-winter break to carefully consider his future and discuss his options with his friends and family. “This has not been an easy decision, however I believe it is in my best interests and that of my family,” stated Speirs. He emphasised that the demanding nature of his leadership role constrained his family time, ultimately leading to his decision to resign.
With the next State Election looming in less than two years, Speirs believes that stepping down now will afford his successor ample time to prepare for a rigorous campaign. “With just over 18 months until the next State Election, I feel now is the right time to depart from the role and give the next Leader the best possible opportunity to succeed in 2026,” he said.
Reflecting on his tenure, Speirs expressed pride in his achievements and the progress made towards recovering and reorganising the party after the significant losses in the 2022 State Election. Under his leadership, the Liberal Party focused extensively on re-establishing connections with regional communities and suburban populations of South Australia. He also highlighted the strides made in policy development slated for announcement before the 2026 elections.
Speirs’s journey from a teenage migrant settling in Adelaide’s southern suburbs to leading a major political party marks a significant personal achievement. He remarked, “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 viewed his political career as a reflection of the opportunities available within South Australia.
Acknowledging the current difficulties faced by South Australians, Speirs reiterated the need for effective government leadership capable of prioritising citizen welfare. He pledged to support the forthcoming party leader in crafting a compelling alternative governance vision for the state.
Concluding his statement, Speirs conveyed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to lead the South Australian Liberal Party. “It has been an absolute privilege and honour to be the Leader of the South Australian Liberal Party. I have given it my all,” he declared. Although he is stepping down as party leader, Speirs confirmed his continued commitment to serving the residents of his electorate in Black, within the southern suburbs.
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