David Ridgway quits parliament to become SA agent-general in UK

Speculation is swirling as to who will replace veteran Liberal MP David Ridgway after he was handed the plum posting of SA’s agent-general to the UK.

Former state trade minister David Ridgway has been appointed as South Australia’s agent-general to the United Kingdom.

Mr Ridgway, who served nearly 20 years in the Legislative Council for the Liberal Party, will begin his new role on July 19.

“It’s a new era and a fantastic opportunity with the UK free trade agreement coming in,” Mr Ridgway said.

He replaces advertising executive Bill Muirhead who is returning to Adelaide after decades abroad, including serving as SA agent-general from 2007 to 2021.

Mr Ridgway will be paid £90,000 a year, with the role officially cast as a three-day week job.

He and wife Meredith will rent in the UK at their own expense but will receive financing for the relocation from their Mitcham home.

Mr Ridgway’s term in the Legislative Council runs to 2026.

His replacement was “a matter for the party” he said, declining to be speculate on a successor.

Property Council state director Daniel Gannon, a former media adviser to Premier Steven Marshall and staffer for Treasurer Rob Lucas, has long been considered a favourite for key Liberal vacancies.

Others in the mix could include Sue Lawrie, Morry Bailes, Heidi Girolamo and Helen Ronson.

Mr Marshall said Mr Ridgway had “a wealth of knowledge on the international stage that will put SA in good stead”.

Prior to becoming trade, tourism and investment minister in March 2018, Mr Ridgway was “a successful farmer, horticulturalist and exporter, with a strong understanding of SA’s markets and opportunities”, Mr Marshall said.

David Ridgway in Shanghai when he was trade minister.

Tara Ridgway and Eoin Morgan.

Mr Ridgway’s appointment as the state’s 26th agent-general was first predicted in Off The Record in February.

He lost the tourism ministry in January 2020 and stepped down from trade in July last year after admitting to signing blank time sheets for his chauffeur.

Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas said the appointment of Mr Ridgway was “outrageous” and an “abuse”.

“The role of agent-general is the most prominent and prestigious appointment the state has for overseas roles,” he said.

“It is essential the person who occupies that job is well credentialed in trade, commerce and business.

“David Ridgway’s credential is that Steven Marshall thought he was incapable of holding the tourism portfolio.”

Mr Malinauskas said he would never appoint an ex-MP to such a position, noting the last MP in the role was Lionel Hill in the 1930s.

The Ridgways’ daughter, Tara, is married to England one-day cricket captain Eoin Morgan, and the couple have a son.

Mr Ridgway said while his son-in-law’s position made it a “bit challenging” when England played Australia, Mr Morgan had extensive corporate contacts in the UK.

“It’ll give me a great start over there,” he said.

Mr Ridgway will spend the first weeks in Australia, meeting UK companies and key exporters here and being briefed by the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

He aims to depart SA in mid-August.

Mr Ridgway said he was a monarchist – but “not a rabid one”.