’Jumped before she was pushed’: Jing Lee resigns from Liberals after losing support

Liberal MP Jing Lee has resigned from the Liberal Party after 15 years due to the “emotional toll”, joining the list of recent departures trying to escape the “Hunger Games” mode of the party.

Jing Lee at Parliament House in 2022. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Liberal South Australian state MP Jing Lee has resigned from the state Liberal Party after 15 years, citing emotional strain and dissatisfaction with the party’s direction.

Ms Lee will serve as an independent until at least 2026.

Her decision follows a pattern of exits within the Liberal Party, including former leader Martin Hamilton-Smith who became Trade Minister under Labor; Dan Cregan who became a Labor Cabinet Minister, Fraser Ellis, Troy Bell, Nick McBride, John Dawkins and Peter Lewis.

Ms Lee’s departure also comes after Liberal Senate leader Simon Birmingham lamented the rise of populism and “divisive tribalism” in politics as he announced his retirement.

However, Ms Lee’s resignation is seen by some as a pre-emptive move, as she was reportedly facing an uphill battle for preselection in an upcoming state council meeting. Sources within the party claimed her support had eroded after she did not back changes to abortion laws last year. She “jumped before she was pushed,” a colleague said.

“She had lost all support for preselection.”

Ms Lee also spoke of the lead-up to the abortion bill vote, calling the experience “horrible” and said she hoped no other MP would have to endure the lack of support she was faced with.

Leader of Government Business in the House of Assembly Tom Koutsantonis criticised the South Australian Liberal Party’s current state, which he said was in “Hunger Games” mode.

“Government is serious business, but the Liberals are chaotic and dysfunctional,” he said to The Advertiser.

“It is not the party of Middle Australia that supported Menzies and Playford.”

Despite her resignation, Ms Lee expressed no ill will toward the Liberal Party, wishing it “every success” moving forward.

In a statement, she cited having “re-evaluated my future,” but did not directly mention the internal conflicts contributing to her decision.

Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia, while disappointed by Ms Lee’s departure, expressed understanding.

“It’s fair to say that after 15 years of state politics it’s certainly taken its emotional toll on Jing Lee,” Mr Tarzia said.

“You never want to see any member of your team leave.”

When asked if Ms Lee’s resignation was related to recent tensions, particularly surrounding the abortion bill, Mr Tarzia said multiple factors were involved.

“It’s a relentless job,” he said, acknowledging that recent events had clearly taken a toll on Ms Lee.

The Liberals now face the challenge of regrouping and refocusing their team ahead of the next election.