New SA Liberal war breaks out amid claims of ‘skulduggery’ in state’s most marginal seat

A new factional war has erupted in SA’s Liberal Party amid claims of “stupid” underhanded tactics – and fears of a looming landslide defeat.

The South Australian Liberals are embroiled in a new factional war as “skulduggery” claims hit the state’s most marginal seat and leadership rumblings mount in the embattled party.

In the latest drama, office bearers who manage the Sturt federal electorate branch were accused of “stupid” tactics to favour nominations at its recent annual general meeting.

A new factional war has erupted in SA’s Liberal Party amid claims of “stupid” underhanded tactics – and fears of a looming landslide defeat. Pictured: Alex Antic and SA Opposition Leader David Speirs.

But after angry members complained to the party’s state executive – its main board – that meeting rules and the party’s constitution were breached, “annoyed” senior officials last week ruled branch decisions invalid.

Senior Liberal sources said the rare rebuke voided eight volunteer positions and banned delegates from voting on the party’s powerful 215-member state council, which rules on political races and future MPs.

“There are these young party members who run around acting like they’re Frank Underwood,” one source said in reference to the fictional Kevin Spacey House of Cards television character.

“It was skulduggery but it has backfired spectacularly.”

The council, which is due to hold its AGM next month, will decide the party’s preselection of Legislative Council candidates for the 2026 state poll later this year.

Frank Underwood, who Hollywood actor Kevin Spacey plays with his fictional wife Claire, whose character Robin Wright plays in Netflix's House of Cards. Picture: Supplied

The latest factional drama between the Left Moderate and Right Conservative factions unfolded on a Thursday night in early June when Liberal members, and MPs – including firebrand Senator Alex Antic and other senior party officials – attended Norwood Football Club.

But problems emerged when late arrivals – who had battled parking problems on an SANFL club training night – were refused access after an online booking system said the 90-minute meeting was sold out.

Critics said the meeting room wasn’t signed, agenda items were “flipped” and some members were told to arrive early.

Members were due to vote on who would help manage the branch for Sturt MP James Stevens, who holds one of Australia’s most marginal seats by a 0.5 per cent margin.

Sources said Mr Stevens, who has already secured Liberal preselection for next year’s likely federal election, was an “unfortunate bystander” and had no involvement in the fracas.

State Liberal Party director Alex May and partner, Sturt MP James Stevens. Ms May recused herself from state executive deliberations while Mr Stevens wasn’t involved in the fracas Picture: Facebook

“It was designed to weigh the FEC vote in their favour,” another source said.

“But what it did was everything we don’t stand for – it hurt our grassroots supporters across the factional divide and that’s just not on.

“Our members are entitled to cast their vote.’

But other sources rejected any claims of a conspiracy, instead blaming administrative mistakes and human error from volunteers.

Branch officials can appeal for special executive exemptions to join the council, or hold another meeting, amid fears failed candidates may object to results like in other states.

“I hope calmer heads will prevail,” another source said.

“There’s a lot of angst in the party but it doesn’t feel normal like in other AGM seasons.

“It feels a lot more personal.”

It is another blow to the fractured party as Conservatives mount a party takeover, amid MPs’ fears the Liberals are facing a landslide state loss in 2026.

Senator Alex Antic and SA Opposition Leader David Speirs at the Liberal Party headquarters. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Embattled state leader David Speirs, who returned from a Queensland holiday earlier this week, faces mounting pressures over his leadership and decisions – including plans to attend a second Scottish wedding that may have clashed with parliament sitting.

Despite both ruling out leadership challenges, insiders say supporters are quietly testing numbers - or “whipping” - for frontbenchers Vincent Tarzia and Josh Teague to form a “caretaker” ticket to replace Mr Speirs, who is also facing staff turmoil.

Sources say they unlikely had numbers at this stage and any challenge would create unnecessary problems but other insiders suggest frustrations are mounting.

Mr Speirs, 39, who took over the leadership after the party’s disatrous 2022 loss, has goaded plotters to challenge him.

State president Rowan Mumford, who is believed to not be seeking a new term, said: “I don’t comment on internal matters of the Liberal Party.”

Neither Mr Stevens, whose partner state director Alex May recused herself from the row, nor Senator Antic would comment.

Originally published as New SA Liberal war breaks out amid claims of ‘skulduggery’ in state’s most marginal seat