The left faction of the Tasmanian Labor Party is reportedly meeting this morning to discuss potential leadership candidates following the party’s failed attempt to form government.
Senior Labor MPs and staff were seen entering Parliament House this morning, with reports that Josh Willie and Ella Haddad were considering nominations for the leadership positions.
Sources have told Pulse that Haddad pulled out from leadership discussions during the left faction meeting, with Willie put forward as the main contender.
The meeting comes just hours after Labor’s motion of no confidence in Premier Jeremy Rockliff was decisively defeated 24 to 10 in parliament last night.
Despite winning only 10 seats in the recent election, Labor had hoped to take government through the no-confidence motion and install leader Dean Winter as premier.
However, the party failed to secure support from any crossbenchers, many of whom criticised Labor’s inability to compromise.
Labor’s confirmation of election defeat has automatically triggered a leadership spill under party rules. If multiple candidates nominate, a statewide ballot will determine the new leader.
Winter, who represents the right faction of the party, has not yet confirmed whether he will nominate again for the leadership position.
A meeting of the wider parliamentary Labor party is reportedly scheduled for later this morning.
