Liberal Party state director Peter Coulson resigns

Liberal Party state director Peter Coulson has officially resigned in a letter to party members this morning. Here’s why.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff addresses the annual state Liberal council held at the Country Club Tasmania in Launceston. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

Liberal Party president Michael McKenna has confirmed the resignation of state director Peter Coulson praising him for his proud record, strategic thinking and “dedicated service”.

In an email to members at 9.30 on Friday morning Mr McKenna praised Mr Coulson and said the job of state director was “all-consuming” and he understood his decision to explore new opportunities.

“As State Director, Pete has a record to be proud of, first leading the 2022 Tasmanian Liberal federal election campaign where Tasmania was the only state to achieve a positive swing to the Liberals, retaining both Bass and Braddon and only narrowly missing out in Lyons,” he said.

“The Tasmanian 2022 campaign review highly commended Pete Coulson’s strategic thinking and professionalism in the face of a significantly challenging political landscape.

“Second, earlier this year Pete led the Liberal campaign team to a historic fourth term of Liberal Government in Tasmania, and his leadership was a critical element of this success.

“Pete Coulson’s strategic thinking and organisational skills exemplifies what the Liberal brand needs to nail in contemporary politics – local campaigning with a focus on the needs and wants of hard working families.”

Liberal Party State Director Peter Coulson resignation letter from Michael McKenna to members

Mr Coulson also emailed saying “after three incredible years” it was the right time to move to the next challenge.

“It has been a privilege to work with so many highly talented people and I want to pay tribute to the wonderful Tasmanian Liberal Members and Senators, volunteers, and staff,” Mr Coulson said.

“Together, we have achieved significant success in the 2022 Federal Election, 2024 State Election and numerous Legislative Council elections.

“I am confident that the Liberal Party will continue to thrive and deliver for Tasmanians.”

Liberal Party State Director Peter Coulson statement after resignation. Picture: Supplied

Initial: Liberal Party state director Peter Coulson is remaining tight-lipped on rumours within the party he is expected to resign on Friday.

Party sources contacted the Mercury to say his resignation was imminent.

“We hear that Peter Coulson has handed in his resignation and it is going to be made public tomorrow,” one source said on Thursday.

“We don’t know whether or not he was pushed or jumped.”

When contacted, Mr Coulson offered a firm “no comment”.

He was appointed state director in July 2021 after being an adviser to Queensland Liberal leader David Crisafulli.

At the time, then party president Rod Scurrah said: “He’s had that job in the opposition leader’s office for four years, which means that he has survived three leaders, and I think that in itself is a tribute to him.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff addresses the annual state Liberal council held at the Country Club Tasmania in Launceston. Picture: Stephanie Dalton

With the Liberals tipped to win the Queensland election this weekend some in the party say it would be logical for him to return and take up a job.

Mr Coulson and party president Michael McKenna have been under pressure over the expulsion of party veteran and Clarence mayor Brendan Blomeley.

Some members were angry and upset that the issue could not be resolved with a peace plan proposed by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, former deputy premier Michael Ferguson and ministers Guy Barnett and Eric Abetz.

Several resigned in protest.

Others condemned the party hierarchy but Mr McKenna was recently re-elected party president and Mr Coulson has had the backing of the party’s state executive.

“He hasn’t exactly engaged with the membership and at the state election the party suffered a 12.5 per cent swing against it,” one member said.

Originally published as Liberal Party state director Peter Coulson resigns