Greens MP Tammy Franks resigns from party saying she ‘feels betrayed’

State Greens co-leader Tammy Franks has quit the party and declared herself an independent – with an extraordinary parting message saying she feels “betrayed”.

SA Best members Frank Pangallo and Connie Bonaros and Greens members Rob Simms and Tammy Franks with civil rights groups in a rally on Festival Plaza against anti-protest laws. Picture: File

Long-term state MP Tammy Franks has shocked state parliament by resigning from the Greens after almost two decades with an extraordinary parting message saying she feels “betrayed” by her colleagues.

Ms Franks, who is Greens co-leader with Robert Simms, made the stunning announcement this morning claiming she had been targeted with ”groundless” complaints from within the party.

“I absolutely feel betrayed,” she said.

Ms Franks will now sit in the Legislative Council as an Independent MP, saying all options would be considered about standing at next year’s state election.

“I have taken the first opportunity to announce I will be an Independent after the federal election campaign and to become free from being silenced and oppressed,” Ms Franks said.

“It’s not about ideals and values of the party I still hold true, this decision is based on the processes of the party and the manipulation by members of the party.”

Ms Franks, 56, did not stand for preselection for the party last year and Adelaide Hills deputy mayor Melanie Selwood was picked as number one candidate on the upper house ticket.

At the time, Ms Franks said she would be retiring but now says “all options are open”.

She has been a member of the party for almost two decades and in parliament for 15 years.

“It is with immense sadness that today I ‘spill’ the leadership of the South Australian parliamentary Greens by not only relinquishing my role as co-leader,” Ms Franks said in an official statement.

“But also leaving the SA Greens Party room and also the Greens Party whose charter I have fought for, nurtured, supported and been loyal to for decades.”

Ms Franks claimed she moved aside for others “with ambition and self-interest” during preselections and a “small coterie colluded against me”.

“After I announced I would not re-contest I was then hit with an internal group complaint,” she claimed.

This complaint, Ms Franks said, was more than 100 pages long and included “gripes” over using voice to text technology and “false claims of arriving late to an event”.

Now Ms Franks believed she spent more time “watching my back than thinking ahead”.

Co-leader Mr Simms issued a statement saying Ms Franks had today informed him about the resignation from the SA Greens.

“I am deeply saddened by the decision Tammy has taken,” Mr Simms said.

“Tammy has been rightly lauded for her work on a range of important portfolio areas and been a strong voice for the Greens over the last 15 years. We have worked very closely together during this time.”

He said party members would “share my sadness at this outcome, but our movement is bigger than any one person or individual”.

Mr Simms also noted that Ms Franks intended to retire at the next election and said he was committed to working with members and supporters to secure “our seat back in 2026”.

Originally published as Greens MP Tammy Franks resigns from party saying she ‘feels betrayed’