Tea Tree Gully mayor Kevin Knight is ‘odds-on’ to take on Paula Luethen-Soper in the new seat of King
A SUBURBAN Adealide mayor says the Liberals have made a mistake by pre-selecting his rival councillor – what’s more, he’ll likely now run as an independent.
TEA TREE Gully Mayor Kevin Knight says he is “odds on” to run as an independent for the new seat of King now that rival councillor Paula Luethen-Soper has been officially chose to be the Liberal candidate.
Mr Knight told Leader Messenger he believed the Liberals had made a “mistake” selecting Cr Luethen-Soper to stand for next year’s state election.
“I don’t want to get personal but I’ve had grief since day one,” he said.
Mr Knight told Leader Messenger he remained a genuine contender for King after Cr Luethen-Soper was pre-selected on Saturday.
“Definitely, of course,” he said.
“I’m more inclined to (run for King) than not. Odds on I will. I’ve had encouragement from some very interesting people.
“But I don’t want to muddy the waters, I’d have to meet the Labor candidate Julie Duncan first (before making a call).
“I’d be running to win, not as a stooge, not as a spoiler.”
He said Nick Xenophon’s SA Best team had not approached him.
“I’ve not spoken to Nick, and I’m told he’s too busy, and I’d have to take a look at his philosophies,” he said.
Cr Luethen-Soper did not respond to questions about Mr Knight’s criticisms.
She would not say when she intended to step down from her municipal duties ahead of March’s election.
“I made a commitment to represent people in the Pedare Ward when I was elected ... I’ll be fulfilling that commitment up to the state election,” she said in a statement.
She said reduced services at Modbury Hospital and high electricity prices were the biggest issues facing King constituents.
“I’m deeply concerned about the direction of this state, particularly with the appalling downgrading of services at Modbury Hospital,” she said.
The King electorate includes Salisbury Heights, Surrey Downs, Greenwith and Golden Grove.
Tea Tree Gully Rotarian Richard Harvey, a University of Adelaide research scientist, was picked as the Liberals’ candidate for the seat of Newland, while Gulfview Heights lawyer Luigi Mesisca beat Cr Paul Barbaro for Wright preselection.