Vincent Tarzia, who defeated Nick Xenophon in Hartley, earmarked to be Speaker

LIBERAL hero and self-described Goliath-slayer Vincent Tarzia has been earmarked for elevation to the plum role of Speaker in the wake of his stunning election win over SA Best Leader Nick Xenophon.

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LIBERAL hero and self-described Goliath-slayer Vincent Tarzia has been earmarked for elevation to the plum role of Speaker in the wake of his stunning election win over SA Best Leader Nick Xenophon.

Premier Steven Marshall has confirmed to The Advertiser that he will back Mr Tarzia for the high-status role, after speculation within the party the promotion would be delivered as reward for Mr Tarzia’s unlikely victory.

One senior Liberal said: “It’s either that or build a bronze statue in Victoria Square.”

Mr Tarzia was the shadow cabinet secretary in Opposition, but is locked out of elevation to a formal ministry due to Mr Marshall’s desire for frontbench continuity.

The decision on who becomes Speaker, a position attracting a 75 per cent loading on an MPs base salary and making it the equivalent of a minister’s wage, is technically to be made in the first meeting of Lower House Liberal MPs. However, senior figures across the party say Mr Tarzia will have overwhelming support.

Liberal MP Vincent Tarzia won the seat of Hartley over a push by Nick Xenophon, and is set be rewarded with post of Speaker. Picture: AAP / Keryn Stevens

Asked about the prospect of Mr Tarzia becoming Speaker, Mr Marshall said: “The strong recommendation is he’ll nominate, and I will certainly be supporting that. I’m definitely backing him.”

Mr Tarzia wrested the inner-eastern suburbs seat of Hartley from Labor at the 2014 state election, and was challenged by Mr Xenophon in his surprise bid for a return to state politics in October.

Mr Tarzia defied early polls to win Hartley at the weekend, with Mr Xenophon now at threat of falling to third in the count behind Labor candidate and former minister Grace Portolesi. No date for Parliament’s return has been set. The Electoral Commission has warned it could take a month for the Upper House count to be finalised due to the complexity of a new voting system.