Aspirants do the numbers as hunt begins for new Labor leader

Tasmania’s new Labor leader could be known as early as Wednesday as aspirants consider their positions in the wake of David O’Byrne’s resignation. HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR POLL >

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TASMANIA’S new Labor leader could be known as soon as Wednesday as aspirants consider their positions in the wake of David O’Byrne’s resignation.

The leadership will be considered at a meeting of the Parliamentary Labor Party in two days time.

There will be no ballot if a single candidate emerges for the leader’s role.

Mr O’Byrne announced he would quit as leader on Sunday after misconduct allegations dating back to his time as a union leader.

David O'Byrne with deputy leader Anita Dow. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Acting leader Anita Dow told ABC radio discussion on the issue was under way within the party.

“I think there’s going to be lots of conversations over the next few days, if they haven’t been already, before our next Parliamentary Labor Party meeting about who is the best person to lead the Tasmanian Labour Party into the future,” she said.

“You know, we’ve got a lot of work to do as a caucus. But we’ve also got the trust of our membership across the party, but also we’ve got to certainly re-engage with the Tasmanian community and earn their trust and confidence once again. So it’s going to be a big job.

“And, you know, we need to be giving great consideration to who that person will be. And I reckon there’s a number of people thinking about that right now.”

Ms Dow said it was obvious to all that the Labor needed to get its act together.

“There are ongoing issues, it’s pretty evident within the party that’s, you know, been ongoing for some time now, there is a real need for there to be unity across the party, for people to work together.

“I think it has been a difficult time, but we’ve just got to refocus and we’ve just got to be united, and focus on the task at hand.”

Ms Dow would not say if she was considering standing for the leadership.

“I’m considering my options, and about what’s in the best interests of the caucus party in the Tasmanian community.”

Anita Dow acting Labor leader. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

And she denied the party has an endemic problem with sexual harassment or with women.

“The Tasmanian Labor Party has a proud history of supporting women within our party, of course, within the parliament, and in the community at large and that hasn’t wavered,” she said.

“And that commitment remains and it will only be stronger.”

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