Rebecca White tipped for federal run in marginal seat Lyons

Described as a ‘once-in-a-generation talent’, Rebecca White’s tilt in the federal seat of Lyons has received backing from the incumbent member. Here’s what Brian Mitchell had to say.

Peter Fraser McConnell Dowell project director Bridgewater Bridge with Brian Mitchell Labor member for Lyons. New Bridgewater Bridge under construction. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Former state Labor leader Rebecca White looks set for a tilt in the federal seat of Lyons at the next federal election after the incumbent member said he would not stand in the way of her preselection.

Labor holds the seat with a margin of just 0.92 per cent.

Brian Mitchell has won Lyons for Labor three times, but says he wouldn’t stand in the way of Ms White if she decided to stand — as is widely expected.

“If Bec makes herself available to run for federal office, I fully support that,” he said.

“I think she would be a terrific addition to the Federal Labor parliamentary ranks. And if she seeks preselection for Lyons, I’m very willing to support that as well.

“I’ve had the great privilege for three terms of representing the Labor Party in Lyons, being preselected three times and winning three elections.

“I’ve had the great privilege of representing this wonderful electorate that we’re standing in right now for three elections.

“I’m very happy to do that again but Rebecca White is a once-in-a-generation talent in Tasmania.”

Ms White is overseas and not immediately available for comment.

Rebecca White announces her resignation as Tasmanian Labor leader at Richmond. Picture: Chris Kidd

If she stands federally, she would face off against Liberal Susie Bower, who enjoyed a 4.26 per cent swing to come within 1300 votes of victory the 2022 federal election.

She entered the state parliament in 2011 and became opposition leader in 2017.

She led the party to defeats at the 2018, 2021 and 2024 state elections.

Ms White was Labor’s biggest vote-winner in Lyons in the 2024 state election, polling 15,607 votes, well over the quota required for the election.

If a recount were held in the state seat, Ms White would most likely be replaced by Richard Goss or Ben Dudman in a recount.

Mr Mitchell said Ms White would help Labor cling to power at the next federal election.

“I‘ve got no doubt there should be a very strong contender to retain the seat of Lyons for the Labor government, and that’s the most important thing,” he said.

“The people of this community are best served by the return of a Federal Labor government which has delivered higher wages, more jobs, record jobs in a first-term government, bigger tax cuts for nine out of 10 Tasmanians, cheaper medicines, lower inflation.”