SA: Ballot for SA Libs deputy may be one-horse race

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2010
SA: Ballot for SA Libs deputy may be one-horse race

ADELAIDE, April 6 AAP - Mitch Williams, the man who came last in the South Australian
Liberal deputy leadership challenge last week, looks set to win the job this week.

Despite almost toppling Labor in the election just two weeks ago, the opposition has
been in leadership turmoil since Martin Hamilton-Smith was elected as deputy leader last
Tuesday.

Current leader Isobel Redmond could barely conceal her displeasure at Mr Hamilton-Smith's
victory and, as a result, the party is holding a ballot re-run to decide the deputy leadership
on Tuesday.

Ms Redmond replaced Mr Hamilton-Smith as leader just nine months ago, after he was
found to have used fake documents in a botched bid to discredit the Labor government.

Mr Hamilton-Smith won last week's ballot by 10 votes to eight, beating the likes of
another former leader, Iain Evans.

Mr Williams, the opposition water spokesman, was ditched in the first round after
garnering only three votes.

Mr Williams has confirmed he will run again, but on Monday afternoon Mr Hamilton-Smith
withdrew from the race.

Unless any latecomers put their hands up for the job, Mr Williams looks set to join
Ms Redmond at the helm of the party.

AAP ahe/srp

KEYWORD: LIBERALS SA AM UPDATE

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