State Liberal Party looks to appoint co-directors — one conservative, one moderate — in a bid to end decades of factional feuding

For decades, the two factions of the state Liberal Party have butted heads. Could this historic proposal see that change?

The conservative faction of the Liberal Party is pushing for the appointment of two co-state directors, representing each faction, in a bid to put an end to decades of internal feuding.

An executive meeting has been called for Friday evening ahead of the appointment of a new director — or co-directors if the proposal is successful — after Sascha Meldrum resigned from the position last month.

Party sources have told The Advertiser the likely moderate director would be Alex May, who worked as a staffer for Premier Steven Marshall, and is the partner of Sturt MP James Stevens.

The conservative director would be Adelaide councillor Alex Hyde, who unsuccessfully ran for the seat of Waite at the state election.

The historic proposal was mooted by senior conservatives, who are likely to take control of the party after its annual general meeting in September.

Former Premier Steven Marshall’s deputy chief of staff, Alex May.

Councillor Alexander Hyde during an Adelaide City Council meeting at Adelaide Town Hall, April 2021. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“It’s an attempt to end the wars and usher in a new era,” one factional figure said.

“David Speirs has helped negotiate the co-director agreement and it’s clear evidence of his leadership and willingness to manage the internal conflict that has besieged the Liberal Party for decades.”

Opposition leader David Speirs on June 6. Picture: Tom Huntley

However, a leading moderate believed the proposal was unlikely to succeed.

The source said organisations require a clear leadership structure, and flagged concerns that installing two directors would lead to confusion.

“It sounds more like something the Greens would do,” the source said.

Customarily, the Liberal Party has looked to appoint a state director with a degree of impartiality.

Former Liberal Party state director Sascha Meldrum, 2015. Picture Roy VanDerVegt

A former journalist, Ms Meldrum is a 25-year veteran of political advisory and communication roles.

She worked for former Liberal premiers John Olsen and Rob Kerin before becoming principal media adviser for the then-defence minister Robert Hill in the Howard government. She also worked as public affairs director to the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) program.

Before the recent losses, she helped deliver three election victories for the Liberals – two federal and the long-awaited state win in 2018.