Leon Bignell to retire from politics at next election
The Speaker of the House and long-term Labor MP – and one of parliament’s cult figures – has announced his retirement from politics at the next election.
The Speaker of South Australia’s House of Assembly has announced his retirement from politics at the upcoming state election in March.
Speaker Leon Bignell made the announcement before question time on Wednesday, parliament’s final sitting day before the 2026 election.
Mr Bignell’s family, including son Conor, a media adviser to Trade Minister Joe Szakacs, were in the Speaker’s Gallery for the announcement.
Mr Bignell said he had promised his family the 2022 election would be his last.
He thanked the members of his electorate of Mawson, which he has represented since 2006.
“I love the people of our local area and I love every inch of our beautiful part of the world that I call home,” he said.
“From McLaren Vale to the western end of Kangaroo Island we have a series of communities, some large like Aldinga, some small like Second Valley.
“They all have their own personality and they’re all full of wonderful personalities.
“It’s been my absolute pleasure to work hard for each and every one of them during the past 20 years.”
Premier Peter Malinauskas praised Mr Bignell, who was a member of the Labor Party until 2024, when he became an independent to serve as Speaker.
“Leon Bignell is a phenomenon,” he said.
“There are few MPs with such a powerful ability to connect with their communities and with people from all walks of life.”
Mr Malinauskas said Mr Bignell’s “power of connection” made him an effective leader in his community.
“The people of Mawson have always known that Leon would fight for them. That was especially true during the KI bushfires.”
Mr Bignell was previously a minister in the Jay Weatherill government, serving in the Tourism, Recreation and Sport, Racing and Forests portfolios.
He became Speaker of the House in April 2024, following Dan Cregan’s resignation to join the Malinauskas cabinet.
In his final question time, Mr Bignell recalled with humour the first person he ejected from the House during question time, Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone.
“He was the first person I ever chucked out, and he sent me a text message.”
“He said, how about I come round to your office and have a celebratory beer at knock-offs, and I always appreciate that, Member for Chaffey.”
Prior to his parliamentary career, Mr Bignell was a journalist, working at the ABC, Channel 7, Channel 10 and News Corp.
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Originally published as Leon Bignell to retire from politics at next election
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