‘Treated appallingly’: Liberal insider opens up on why Alexander and Tucker jumped ship

On the face of it John Tucker and Lara Alexander don’t have a lot in common. But who are the pair whose decision to walk away from the Liberal party almost derailed the Tasmanian government? DETAILS >

Lara Alexander member for Bass and John Tucker member for Lyons in Launceston. Both members of the Tasmanian parliament have now resigned as Liberal sitting members. Picture: Patrick Gee

On the face of it John Tucker and Lara Alexander don’t have a lot in common.

He’s a well-off, sixth-generation Tasmanian farmer.

She grew up in communist Romania and has spent most of her life working in the not-for-profit sector.

Mr Tucker, 48, says he has had a bit of a speech impediment since birth – while for Ms Alexander, 55, English is her third language behind Romanian and French.

Both were elected to the House of Assembly on recounts.

Lara Alexander member for Bass and John Tucker member for Lyons in Launceston. Both members of the Tasmanian parliament have now resigned as Liberal sitting members. Picture: Patrick Gee

Mr Tucker replaced Rene Hidding in Lyons in 2019 and was elected on preferences in 2021.

Ms Alexander, the former head of the St Vincent de Paul Society, replaced Education Minister Sarah Courtney when she quit after failing to win a seat in 2021.

She complained about being muzzled by party headquarters in the campaign.

One senior Liberal source says their defection has been “a while in the making”.

“They were both treated appallingly and pushed aside,” the insider said.

“The farming community across the state expected John to be made Primary Industries Minister and instead that went to Jo Palmer.

“Lara has an outstanding intellect, she’s sharp and has an interesting background but she’s been treated like a mushroom.

“At the last Liberal Party state council meeting the president welcomed Dean Young and Simon Wood but not a word about Lara.”

In her first speech to parliament Ms Alexander spoke of freedom and democracy.

“Given my long history in the not-for-profit sector, many people approached me and asked me why I was running for the Liberal Party,” she had said.

“The answer is because my lived experience in Tasmania has demonstrated to me that this Liberal government truly does care about those in need in our community.

I believe that whatever title or office we may be privileged to hold, it is what we do that defines who we are. It is up to us to decide what kind of person we want to be and what legacy we want to leave behind.”

Mr Tucker told parliament: “My passion for breeding Angus cattle has brought me huge satisfaction over the past 20 years and perhaps selling stud bulls has played a major part in my political career.”