Peter Malinauskas expected to become next Labor leader and state opposition leader after Jay Weatherill steps down

PETER Malinauskas is extremely likely to be the next Labor leader after defeated premier Jay Weatherill declared he would sit on the backbench.

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PETER Malinauskas is extremely likely to be the next Labor leader after defeated premier Jay Weatherill declared he would sit on the backbench.

A formal decision on Mr Weatherill’s replacement is yet to be made, but it’s expected Labor’s powerful Right faction will endorse Mr Malinauskas late this week.

Former treasurer Tom Koutsantonis is considered a late bolter, but it’s understood Mr Malinauskas has the numbers in the party room.

The former health minister and Shoppies union boss did not return calls yesterday.

Stephen Mullighan and Peter Malinauskas were nominated as potential future Labor leaders, though the former said he would not put his hand up. Picture: AAP / David Mariuz

Former transport minister Stephen Mullighan has previously been mooted as a future Labor leader but told The Advertiser he would not be putting his hand up.

“I can think of a range of candidates who would be very capable in the role,” he said.

Mr Weatherill told reporters that Mr Malinauskas was a “standout performer” and would be a “powerful candidate. But he nominated a number of potential leaders including Mr Koutsantonis, Mr Mullighan and frontbencher Susan Close.

Mr Weatherill yesterday ruled out seeking a career in federal politics or seeking to remain on Labor’s frontbench.

He has not ever sat on the backbench or in opposition during his 16-year tenure in Parliament.

Jay Weatherill with his wife Mel and children Alice, 1, and Lucinda, 13. Picture: Tait Schmaal

“I’m looking forward to that, being the state member for Cheltenham. It’s a fascinating seat, it really is. I’m really looking forward to going around and thanking everybody for supporting me for the last 16 years,” Mr Weatherill said.

“I’m proud of what we’ve done locally but I’m really looking forward to being a good local member of Parliament.”

Mr Weatherill said he had no regrets about Labor’s “positive” election campaign but said the mood for change was too great.

“They voted for change and I respect the will of the South Australian people,” he said.

“I’ve always believed the judgment of the ordinary, everyday South Australians is the greatest source of wisdom we have. They’ve made their judgment and I respect that judgment.”

Mr Weatherill said he would be focused on representing his local electorate and spending more time with his children after Labor’s election loss to the Liberals.

Flanked by his wife Mel Bailey and children Lucinda, 13, and Alice, 11, Mr Weatherill said he would spend more time running, cooking, reading and running after his daughters.

Asked what it was like to no longer be married to the premier, Ms Bailey quipped that it was “better to be the ex-premier’s wife than the premier’s ex-wife”.