Resignation shock: Who is likely to replace Rene Hidding?

Meet the man most likely to replace Rene Hidding in State Parliament following the veteran Lyons MP’s shock resignation.

UPDATED: THE man most likely to fill Rene Hidding’s parliamentary shoes has confirmed he will contest the recount in the state seat of Lyons left vacant by the sudden resignation of the long-serving Liberal MP.

Mr Hidding quit yesterday amid accusations of sexual abuse — claims he strongly denies.

In a statement today, Break O’Day councillor John Tucker said he would nominate for the vacancy.

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“Following the retirement of Rene Hidding as the Liberal member for Lyons I can confirm that I will nominate for the recount,” he said.

“I am passionate about the issues affecting the rural and regional people of Lyons, and if elected will strive to represent these communities with a strong voice.”

Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff, flanked by John Tucker, talking to reporters last year about the Tasmanian irrigation scheme at a potato farm in Kempton. Picture: MATHEW FARRELL

Mr Hiddings resignation has caused a headache for the Hodgman Government.

With parliament resuming in two weeks, it faces being in a minority on the floor of the House of Assembly until a replacement for Mr Hidding can be sworn in.

EARLIER: Liberal MP Rene Hidding will most likely be filled on recount by Break O’Day councillor John Tucker, according to political analyst Kevin Bonham.

“Hidding’s place will be filled on recount by John Tucker assuming Tucker contests recount,” Mr Bonham tweeted.

“If hypothetically Tucker wasn’t available then they could call a single-seat by-election, let someone else have the seat or [Jane] Howlett could quit upper house seat. I expect he’ll quickly confirm he’s available.”

Mr Hidding has been a Liberal member for Lyons since 1996. His resignation, which takes effect immediately, will trigger a recount in the Lyons electorate.

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Mr Tucker and Ms Howlett — who was elected to the Tasmanian Legislative Council seat of Prosser last year — both campaigned for the seat but missed out at last year’s state election.

“The recount is just of the votes including preferences that the resigning member had when they were elected,” Mr Bonham said.

Late Former Spring Bay Mayor Michael Kent, left, Liberal Lyons candidate John Tucker, Premier Will Hodgman and Liberal MP Mark Shelton in Triabunna during the 2018 State Election campaign. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

“This means those votes will flow very strongly to other Liberal candidates but as it happens John Tucker is the only other Liberal candidate available because three of the five were elected during the election and Jane Howlett has been elected to the Legislative Council since, assuming she doesn’t resign.”

He said Mr Tucker was eligible and likely willing to contest.

“He’s the only Liberal left standing who is going to recontest the recount,” Mr Bonham said.

“It may take slightly longer to count than the Braddon recount because Hidding had a lot of votes spread out in a lot of different places.”