Rival factions of the Tasmanian Liberal Party square off for leadership

The Liberal party is at loggerheads as Treasurer Peter Gutwein and State Growth Minister Michael Ferguson spend the weekend drumming up support to become Tasmania’s next premier.

Outgoing Premier Will Hodgman on the east coast of Tasmania. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

RIVAL factions within the Liberal Party are this weekend horsetrading and number crunching in a last-ditch effort to decide Tasmania’s next Premier ahead of a party room ballot on Monday.

With Treasurer Peter Gutwein and State Growth Minister Michael Ferguson going head to head in the race to replace outgoing premier Will Hodgman, there is an internal push to secure numbers and allow the runner up to bow out gracefully.

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Insiders in both camps are still adamant their preferred candidates can shore up enough votes to take the top job.

Outgoing Premier Will Hodgman attends the launch of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys recently acquired Wineglass Bay Cruises. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

The division between the party’s moderate and conservative factions was thrust into the public arena when both Mr Guwein and Mr Ferguson declared their intention to run, prompting claims by the Labor Opposition of infighting within Liberal ranks.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein. Picture: PATRICK GEE

And with outgoing Premier Will Hodgman abstaining from the vote, the potential for the ballot to reach a stalemate between the 14 remaining members has heightened concerns.

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Mr Hodgman said he would not vote even if there was a tie. Sources said if that occurred, repeat ballots would be held in the party room on Monday until the deadlock was broken.

It is understood Health Minister Sarah Courtney and backbencher Jacquie Petrusma will not be back from overseas in time for the ballot.

But it is believed both will vote remotely.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Political analyst Kevin Bonham said there was a possibility an agreement could be struck before Monday’s ballot.

“There’s all kinds of deals that might be done in the meantime that might involve someone withdrawing or giving up because they don’t have the numbers,’’ he said.

“People are saying the numbers are pretty tight at the moment so we’ll see.”

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Opposition Leader Rebecca White said the time for an “orderly transition” to a new leader had passed since Mr Hodgman’s announcement on Tuesday.

“This chaotic situation has all the drama of a reality TV show,’’ she said.

“It reflects poorly on the Liberals that they were not able to offer Tasmanians a clear path forward and will instead hold the first leadership ballot for more than 20 years.

“In the meantime, Tasmania has effectively been left without a Premier, and nobody in government is paying attention to the issues confronting Tasmanians on a daily basis.”

Liberal Lyons MP John Tucker and Liberal MLC Jane Howlett both appeared alongside Mr Hodgman in front of reporters Friday morning.

Neither would say who they would support in Monday’s ballot.

“Whoever wins that ballot has very big shoes to fill,’’ Ms Howlett said.

“We have two very capable candidates and I will make a decision on what’s best for the people of Tasmania.”

“It’s a decision that will be made on Monday in the PLP meeting,’’ Mr Tucker added.

Mr Bonham said with Ms Courtney and Ms Petrusma set to vote remotely, it was a unique situation.

“I am not aware of a similar case in Australian politics where someone has voted remotely in a leadership ballot,’’ he said.

Mr Hodgman confirmed the meeting was due to take place on Monday at midday.