John Gardner set to step down as deputy Liberal leader, quit politics at the 2026 election

Deputy Liberal Leader John Gardner will quit state parliament at the 2026 state election and step down from his leadership role in coming days. Here’s why.

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Deputy Liberal Leader John Gardner will step down from his leadership role in coming days and quit state parliament at the 2026 election, declaring “it is time to move on”.

Mr Gardner, who was elected the member for Morialta in 2010 and served as education minister in the Marshall government, said a health scare this year led him to assess his priorities.

“In August, I had a large mole removed from my arm, which tested positive to melanoma,” he said on Friday.

John Gardner will soon step down as Deputy Liberal Leader and resign from state parliament at the 2026 state election. Picture: Supplied

“As happens in these cases, some weeks later further minor surgery was required around the site of the mole, and thankfully subsequent tests have shown no further signs of spread.

“In the months since the initial diagnosis, up until I was recently given the all-clear, I was prompted to think about my priorities in life.

“I’m proud of what we’ve done, and I’ve continued to work hard for our team, but after sixteen years my heart isn’t in the political contest anymore.”

Mr Gardner said he was not yet sure what he would do post-politics, but is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and daughters, aged 4 and 6.

“Whatever comes next, I can’t wait to be a more present and active dad in our kids’ lives,” he said.

He said politics had given him the chance to advocate for his community and values – but was also an adversarial contest that required patience, resilience and “a hunger to fight for your cause”.

“Your heart needs to be in it because the role presents plenty of challenges too, especially for our families, and over the last couple of years my family and I have been feeling those challenges more keenly,” he said.

Current education minister Blair Boyer was among the first to post a public tribute to his predecessor.

“Our system of government here in Australia is at its very best when people from opposite sides of the political fence choose to set aside their own self-interest, or the opportunity to score a quick political point, and instead join together to act in the interests of the greater good,” he said.

“I will remember John’s career as one littered with such examples.”

South Australia’s most senior Liberal, Simon Birmingham, described Mr Gardner as “one of the most successful reformers of the Marshall government” for shifting year 7 into high school and ensuring South Australian students were among the least impacted by Covid.

“John, my dear friend, congratulations on an impressive career. You have represented your constituents with energy & diligence, while tackling parliamentary & ministerial duties with foresight & principle,” he said.

Mr Gardner’s move is the latest blow for the SA Liberals after a tumultuous period during which former leader David Speirs resigned.

He said the timing of his announcement would give the party time to select a new candidate for Morialta – a seat that covers outer eastern suburbs and parts of the Adelaide Hills – well ahead of the election.

He currently holds the seat on a 1.4 per cent margin after a significant swing against him in 2022.

Mr Gardner pledged “every support” to Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia and said he would continue to contribute to the team until his departure.

Reflecting on his time in politics, he said he was proud of his contributions.

As local MP, he helped deliver a new high school in Rostrevor, other local school upgrades, and a major upgrade to Paradise interchange.

As education minister, he introduced the Year 1 phonics check to public schools, moved year 7 to high school and reformed school-based apprenticeships.

He said he was especially pleased to have played a key role in keeping schools open during the pandemic, with fewer closure days than any other jurisdiction in Australia.

“We did so, in line with the health advice, because it was in our kids’ best interests and those of our state,” he said.