Lara Giddings told to quit parliament by Labor heavyweights

Calls are growing louder from inside Labor for former premier Lara Giddings to quit parliament and allow David O’Byrne’s return ahead of an expected early election.

Lara Giddings in Question Time in the House of Assembly

Calls are growing louder from inside Labor for former premier Lara Giddings to quit parliament and allow David O’Byrne’s return ahead of an expected early election.

Party heavyweights are describing the current situation as a “malaise” and calling on Ms Giddings and veteran MP David Llewellyn to step down before the end of their terms.

Both are understood to have told ALP insiders they do not intend to recontest their seats.

The party is increasingly concerned it won’t have the advantage of a sitting member campaigning for re-election in Ms Giddings’ traditional Labor-dominated seat of Franklin.

A countback would install former minister Mr O’Byrne, considered a future leader of the party, if the state’s first female premier was to leave early. Mr O’Byrne has not ruled out a return and is facing pressure from unions to put his hand up.

Ms Giddings, now shadow attorney-general, told the Mercury she was yet to make a decision on her future. “In relation to speculation about my future, I have not made any public announcements and I do not intend to at this time,” she said. “I am focused on getting the Voluntary Assisted Dying legislation debated in the parliament before the next state election.”

Mr Llewellyn, a former deputy premier, returned to represent Lyons in 2014 after his defeat in 2010.

The 74-year-old holds the shadow portfolios of emergency services and resources.

“I don’t have anything to say at this stage. I’ll assess the situation closer to the election,” Mr Llewellyn said.

His departure could result in former Forestry Tasmania boss Bob Gordon or Upper House candidate for Apsley Darren Clark claiming a seat.

ALP insiders are worried that leader Bryan Green’s team hasn’t sold a consistent message. They say some are near invisible in their portfolios and new blood is needed.

An EMRS poll this week had the ALP trailing Will Hodgman’s Government 35-29 per cent, with Mr Green the preferred premier of just 20 per cent.

Speculation is rife that an election, not due before March next year, could be called as soon as June. But this has been ruled out by the Government.

Labor has said it will call for candidates in May.