Labor members push Michelle O’Byrne as a possible new party leader to replace brother David

As David O’Byrne awaits the result of an investigation into sexual harassment claims, some Labor members are pushing for his sister Michelle to take over the party leadership.

AS support for David O’Bryne wanes, his sister Michelle is being touted by some as a possible Labor leader.

A push for Rebecca White to return to the top job remains the hope of many in the party but Ms White is not commenting publicly.

She told the Sunday Tasmanian she is happy looking after her “beautiful baby” Hudson, who was born nine days ago.

Mr O’Byrne has stepped down as leader after admitting he kissed and sent text messages to a young female colleague when he was a union leader 14 years ago.

An investigation into his conduct is being conducted by former Fair Work Australia commissioner Barbara Deegan.

It is likely the investigation could be finished in a week.

Sources say some outside the Parliamentary Labor Party are keen for Mr O’Byrne to dig in and not resign as leader.

If he decides to leave, some in the Left faction believe Ms O’Byrne would be a worthy successor.

Ms O’Byrne, a former federal MHR and state minister was deputy to Ms White until the May election.

However, the Right said it would be a “joke” if Ms O’Byrne put her hand up and she would not get enough support from colleagues.

Michelle O’Byrne is a former federal representative and has been touted as a replacement leader for her brother David. Picture: Richard Jupe

Tasmania’s first female Labor premier Lara Giddings said the investigation into Mr O’Byrne must be allowed to “come to a conclusion”.

She is a supporter of Ms White but said she should not be pressured to return.

“Right now she should be left alone to be with her baby like every new mother,” Ms Giddings said.

“She should be allowed to give 100 per cent care and attention to her newborn baby.

“The investigation will take time and Rebecca should not be pressured to return while on her maternity leave.”

Ms White is on parental leave until August 16.

Others want Ms White to return as leader with Braddon MHA Dr Shane Broad as her deputy.

“That would be the best outcome, with a Left-Right combination and south and north and male and female balance,” one party source said.

Political analyst Professor Richard Herr said Labor cannot afford to have multiple leaders.

“It is absolutely critical that Anita Dow continues as acting leader until there is a permanent solution,” he said.

“Bec White could come back and as I have said the party should have supported her to stay on until after the review into the election.

“The party should steel itself for a long period of patience and deal with the factional issues that have destabilised the leadership.

“They are not a credible opposition in the public’s mind though they are carrying out their responsibilities in parliament and challenging the government.”

David O’Byrne at his announcement that he would step aside while investigations into sexual harassment claims are completed. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Professor Herr said if Labor were to lose the next election they faced a bleak future.

“The Liberals spent 45 years in opposition in Tasmania and Labor is stuck in a rut thinking about ‘how do we win’ rather than ‘how do we find supporters’,” he said.

Former Greens leader and senator Dr Bob Brown said Labor was currently “rudderless” and needed to work with the Greens at both a federal and state level.

“A big part of the stability of the New Zealand government is that Jacinda Arden gets on well with the Greens and it is the same in the ACT here,” Dr Brown said.

“Labor lacks a vision and direction and is a paler shade of the Liberals on logging, fish farming and planning laws.”

Dr Brown said Tasmanians were frustrated that there was no difference between Labor and the government and Cassy O’Connor and Rosalie Woodruff offered better leadership.