Former MP Elise Archer will run in Clark in the state election

Former Attorney-General Elise Archer could make a political comeback after she was ousted from the Liberal Party last year.

Independent candidate for Clark Elise Archer at Mount Nelson. Picture: Chris Kidd

Former Attorney-General Elise Archer is staging a political comeback.

Ms Archer told the Mercury she would stand as an independent in Clark at the upcoming state election.

She was the Liberal Party’s top vote winner in Clark the 2021 state election, with 9402 first preference votes cast in her favour.

Shortly after Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced the March 23 poll, Ms Archer said she was keen to again represent the electors of Clark.

“After much thought and consideration, I have decided to run as an independent in Clark at the next State election.

“The overwhelming heartfelt support from my constituents every day has reminded me just how much I love being a local Member, and I look forward to the opportunity of getting straight back into it!”

Ms Archer said she would have more to say about her candidacy in the coming days.

Former Attorney-General Elise Archer in parliament in September last year. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Ms Archer was first elected in what was then the seat of Denison in 2010.

She was the first woman to serve as speaker of the House of Assembly from 2014.

Ms Archer was highly regarded for her reforms at Attorney-General from 2018 including the establishment of the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

She also served in a range of senior roles including as Minster for Justice, Minister for Corrections and Minister for Arts.

Ms Archer resigned from cabinet at the request of Premier Jeremy Rockliff in September after WhatsApp messages were leaked containing references to victim-survivors of the Commission of Inquiry as well as unspecified bullying claims, which she denied.

She resigned from parliament after a subsequent ultimatum from Mr Rockliff.

Her departure left two women in the cabinet, something she noted in her parting Facebook post.

“It takes incredible strength and resilience to be a woman in a senior government role and to strive to be treated the same as male colleagues, despite many years of dedicated, hardworking service,” she noted.

“I am particularly proud of my achievements as the first female Speaker in the House of Assembly, and significantly in law reform over the last five years. It has taken a personal toll at times, however, I depart knowing that despite the events of recent days, this law reform will hopefully endure as my legacy for the people of Tasmania and my community, who I have loved serving over the last 13 years.”