In a clear display of a lack of confidence in Premier Jeremy Rockliff, ambitious perennial candidate Brendan Blomeley has put an end to rumours that he’ll run for the next election, but the intentions of two other potential candidates remain unclear.
In a Facebook post responding to an article naming himself, Jacquie Petrusma and Louise Elliot as rumoured candidates, Mr Blomeley said “I can categorically say, I have not sought, nor will I seek, to be a candidate for the Tasmanian Liberal Party at the next state election.”
While Mr Blomeley was categorical about his immediate future, the silence from the two other rumoured candidates has been deafening.
Controversial and far right councillor Louise Elliot should make it clear whether or not she’s planning to use her suspension as a launching board into a campaign to bring the Liberal party further to the right.
If she does announce her intention to run, it will be another blow to Jeremy Rockliff’s failing leadership, with the Premier’s moderate viewpoints already under attack.
Jacquie Petrusma – who recently snagged a high-paying job as an advisor in the Premier’s office – should also let Tasmanians know if she’s planning on putting any of her massive taxpayer funded salary into a campaign to join Eric Abetz in the Liberals’ recycling program.
The Liberals only announced four names in their first round of candidates – most of whom had run for the party before.
With this lack of new talent it’s looking like after 10 years in office, the Liberals have given up on the future to go back to the past.