The Labor leadership contest that could split the party wide open

A senior Labor Party source reveals one possible leadership challenger could split the party wide open stating, “It would be a recipe for disaster for the ALP”. THE INSIDE WORD >>

The leadership of the Labor Party could take weeks to resolve with speculation Rebecca White may not contest it.

A meeting of the state Parliamentary Labor Party is expected to be held soon to discuss who will run as leader and deputy leader.

In the wake of the state election, the leadership positions are open and up for grabs.

Under Labor Party rules, if there is more than one candidate a ballot must held of rank and file party members and state conference delegates which would take some weeks.

Ms White has said she is keen to continue as leader saying she has “unfinished business.”

But it is believed she will only stand if there are no other contenders.

Franklin member David O’Byrne has long had the backing of key unions including the Health and Community Services Union and United Workers Union to run.

But if Mr O’Byrne, from the powerful left faction, does stand it is likely that Braddon MHA Dr Shane Broad, from the right faction, will challenge him.

Labor leader Rebecca White during the Tasmania state election 2021. Picture: Zak simmonds

There are many in the party who praise Ms White for a gutsy election campaign after a rocky start with fighting over the pre-selection of Kingborough mayor Dean Winter and the standing down of Clark candidate Ben McGregor who is also the party’s president.

One senior party source said if Mr O’Bryne challenged Ms White it could split the party wide open.

“It would be a recipe for disaster for the ALP,” he said.

Another source said Ms White deserved support.

“She stood up to the faceless people in the party and she has respect in the party and the wider community,” she said.

“It is about the future of the party and improving how things are done rather than continuing with the status quo.”

Supporters of Mr O’Byrne are not giving any clues about what he might chose to do.

One left faction member said the party was “still licking its wounds from the election.”

“The election result was hardly a win for Rebecca,” he said.

“I would expect David to stand.”

David O'Byrne in the tally room watches on as Rebecca White concedes the 2021 State Election. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Richard Jupe

Another source believes it is time Mr O’Byrne stepped up and accused him of undermining the party’s leadership for 10 years.

“Not once has he had the guts or the balls to challenge so it is this time or never.

“There is no reason why Rebecca should stand down because we all know this was a COVID election and people believed (Premier) Gutwein had done a good job.”

One party source said Ms White would win the rank and file vote and most likely the delegates vote if she nominated.

“If she decides not to stand, I can assure you Broad will put his hand up against O’Byrne.

“It will be cleansing for the party to have a ballot – that is democracy at work.”

Dr Broad confirmed he was “considering his options” if Ms White did not stand as leader.