Former SA Liberal leader David Speirs to quit politics after drug charges

South Australia’s former Liberal opposition leader David Speirs will quit parliament after armed police raided his home and charged him with drug supply offences.

Former South Australian Liberal leader David Speirs has made an announcement that will quit parliament after confirming his house was raided by armed police. Picture: Facebook/Supplied.

South Australia’s former Liberal opposition leader, David Speirs, will quit parliament after armed police raided his home and charged him with drug supply offences.

Mr Speirs 39, announced on Saturday in a social media video that he would formally resign as the MP for the southwest Adelaide electorate of Black when state parliament resumes on October 15.

Three police officers attended Mr Speirs’ home on September 26, with SA Police confirming he had been charged with two counts of supplying a controlled substance between August 2 and August 9.

The Adelaide Advertiser reported that on the days Mr Speirs has been accused of supplying drugs, he attended a charity function, held a press conference on the state’s health system, went to the opening of a walking trail and did a radio interview.

He has been given bail and is due to appear in court at a later date.

Adelaide Advertiser footage of David Speirs allegedly snorting white powder at his home.

The former leader’s Liberal Party membership has also been suspended

“I believe there’s someone pretty sinister behind this,” Mr Speirs said.

“And while I am personally devastated by what has happened – and I will fight to clear my name of any allegations – I’m equally concerned about what is actually the use of state government power against someone who is a political opponent.

“I could continue in parliament and I could defend myself while also working as an MP, but I don’t believe I can adequately and effectively serve my local community while also dealing with this matter.”

Mr Speirs said protecting his mental health and supporting the family and friends who are gathered round him was the bigger priority. “For me, it’s time to move on,” he said.

The offences he is charged with carry a maximum penalty of a 10-year prison term and a $50,000 fine.

New SA Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia makes a statement about David Speirs. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

Mr Speirs quit as opposition leader in August, claiming to have “had a gutful” of the top job after two years in the role.

He has been on leave from parliament for mental health reasons since September.

Footage of Mr Speirs allegedly snorting white powder in his home in June came to light last month. At the time, he claimed the video was a computer-generated “deepfake”.

SA Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia said on Saturday the “challenging situation” had taken its toll on Mr Speirs’ mental health.

Mr Tarzia said the party is now “focused” on preselecting “the best candidate” to ensure the seat is retained by the Liberals.

Mr Speirs was first elected to the South Australian parliament in 2014, and was the minister for environment and water in the Marshall Liberal government from 2018-22.

He was elevated to Liberal Party leader following its election defeat in 2022.