Former Tourism Minister Leon Bignell to give up portfolios to focus on marginal seat of Mawson

FORMER Tourism Minister Leon Bignell will make way for fresh blood on the new Opposition frontbench, stepping down from the portfolio to focus on his marginal electorate.

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FORMER Tourism Minister Leon Bignell will make way for fresh blood on the new Opposition frontbench, stepping down from the portfolio to focus on his marginal electorate.

The Labor MP held the southern seat of Mawson by just 115 votes against his Liberal challenger Andy Gilfillan after a major boundary redistribution.

Mr Bignell confirmed to The Advertiser that he had told incoming Labor leader Peter Malinauskas that he did not want a place in the shadow ministry, which is expected to be announced on Monday, April 9.

Labor Member for Mawson Leon Bignell

He is not seeking any other position, such as Whip or Parliamentary Secretary.

“I know what I’m like. (In shadow cabinet) I’d be travelling to Mt Gambier, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Whyalla ... that’s what I’ve always done,” he said.

“When I was a Parliamentary Secretary for Health, I visited 51 country hospitals. This is the right decision for the people of Mawson.”

Mr Bignell argued there were plenty of Labor MPs “ready to step up” but would not name any favoured successors.

His move to the backbench, along with former leader Jay Weatherill, puts Labor’s Left faction down two numbers in an expected shadow cabinet of 14.

Backbencher Nat Cook has previously been touted for promotion.

Mr Malinauskas’ Right faction lost former minister Leesa Vlahos’s number from cabinet just ahead of the election.

Newly elected MP and former television reporter Jayne Stinson is among names in line for immediate elevation.