Tasmania’s newest MP won’t take the role as Greens leader, the party have announced today.
Instead, current acting leader Rosalie Woodruff will take the reigns of the “green team”.
Vica Bayley was elected to the House of Assembly as the new Member for Clark this morning following the resignation of Cassy O’Connor.
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission completed their recount shortly after 12pm today, with 53.6% of the vote going to Bayley, ahead of fellow Green candidate Bec Taylor at 46.4%.
“Taking on this role is an immense honour, and there’s huge shoes to fill, but I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Woodruff said.
The pair are both “really excited about heading into parliament next week”.
“It’s an incredible privilege and a great responsibility to have been elected to the parliament today,” Bayley said.
“My deepest thanks to the people of Clark for putting your trust in me, and to Greens members for the opportunity to represent them too.”
EARLIER: Prominent environmental campaigner Vica Bayley is leading the race to become Tasmania’s newest MP following former Greens leader Cassy O’Connor’s resignation.
With 38.4% of the vote as of 4:30pm yesterday, Bayley is expected to win the House of Assembly seat of Clark.
The recount, which began about 12pm on Monday, will continue after 9am this morning.
The Tasmanian Electoral Commission say the candidate who gets the majority of O’Connor’s 10,626 ballot papers will replace her.
Bayley’s environmental advocacy has earned him significant support, placing him ahead of other contenders, including Bec Taylor (28.5%), Tim Smith (11.2%) and Sue Hickey (11.1%).
A final announcement is expected around 12pm.
