Vincent Tarzia announces he will nominate for the leadership of the state Liberal Party

Liberal insiders remain relatively tight-lipped ahead of Monday’s leadership vote but one frontbencher has announced he is running for the top spot.

The race for the Liberal leadership is beginning to take shape as Vincent Tarzia announced he will nominate for the role of Leader of the South Australian Liberal Party.

Liberal insiders remain relatively tight-lipped ahead of Monday’s leadership vote, which was set off after former Opposition Leader David Speirs stepped down from the role on Thursday.

Mr Tarzia said he had a “strong team” behind him and was focused on working as a united party to take on the government.

“I look forward to working hard with every member of the party to run a strong campaign in 2026 and hold Labor to account,” he said.

Deputy Leader John Gardner (left) is expected to be weighing support for the role, along with frontbencher Josh Teague (right), while Vincent Tarzia (centre) has announced his nomination.

Mr Tarzia was expected to nominate for the leadership role, though it was understood he did not have the support of the conservative faction.

A senior conservative member said the right wing faction was “disciplined” and would vote as a block.

But, even at this late stage, the source said the faction had not yet decided who it would support – with factional members set to vote internally before Monday’s vote.

Deputy Leader John Gardner is also expected to be weighing support for the leadership role, along with frontbencher Josh Teague.

Both were contacted for comment but neither were willing to speak.

While a clear favourite has still not emerged, powerbrokers will be trying to avoid an episode of infighting by limiting contenders at Monday’s ballot.

Speaking with FIVEaa radio on Friday, Mr Speirs claimed he would name and shame any of the members who plotted against him, if they were rewarded with leadership roles or shadow cabinet portfolio positions.

“If I got the impression that those people were rewarded as a consequence of their bad behaviour, I would find it very difficult to stay quiet,” Mr Speirs said.

He also threatened to leave the party.

“I would find it difficult to remain in the Liberal Party,” he said.

“I am not making that as an idle threat.

“I will watch very carefully to make sure that bad behaviour isn’t rewarded and that game playing isn’t rewarded.”

While unconfirmed, opponents have accused Mr Tarzia of being one of the two to three people who undermined Mr Speirs’ leadership.

During his press conference on Thursday, in which he announced he was stepping down, Mr Speirs declared he would remain in parliament representing his southwestern Adelaide seat of Black.

He wished his eventual successor well and promised there would be “no sniping’’.

But he added it was unlikely a new leader would take the party in a different direction.