Mount Gambier City Council deputy mayor Ben Hood has been touted as a front runner to fill a Liberal Party vacancy in State Parliament.
Former Health Minister Stephen Wade this week announced he would retire immediately from the Legislative Council, with the State Liberal Party opening nominations to fill his Upper House casual vacancy.
While it has been reported that SA Liberal Leader David Speirs is keen to see the vacancy filled by a woman, senior party members believe Mr Hood would be the most suitable candidate.
It is understood Mr Hood will need to lobby the 200-strong delegate State Council prior to the vote expected in late February.
Mr Hood stood as the Liberal candidate for the seat of Mount Gambier at last year’s State Election, where he was defeated by incumbent independent Troy Bell.
In the past, Mr Hood has been instrumental in organising many community fundraising events in the city and sits on a number of boards.
Mr Hood, 42, confirmed his intention to stand for the vacancy, however said he was unable to comment further.
“I can confirm I will be nominating for the Legislative Council casual vacancy created by the resignation of the Hon. Stephen Wade MLC,” he said.
“As pre-selections are an internal party matter, I will not be making any further statements to the media.”
Liberal Party State Director Alex May also declined to comment specifically about Mr Hood’s nomination.
“The Liberal Party State Executive has determined that nominations will open today (Tuesday) to fill the Legislative Council casual vacancy that will be created by the imminent resignation by the Hon. Stephen Wade MLC,” she said.
“Nominations will close on midday Monday, January 23, 2023, after which a pre-selection will be held. I look forward to receiving nominations in the coming days.”
Senior South Australian Liberal and Member for Barker Tony Pasin said Mr Hood would be a valued addition to the Liberal Party’s parliamentary team.
“Ben Hood is an exceptional political talent and he would add real strength and capability to the South Australian Liberal parliamentary team,” he said.
“I wish him every success noting that were he to be elected to the state’s Upper House, it would further strengthen the Limestone Coast’s voice in the South Australian state parliament.”
Mr Pasin said gender quotas should not factor into filling the casual vacancy.
“There are eight Liberal members in that chamber, five of whom are women,” he said.
“Any suggestion the casual vacancy ‘must’ be filled by a woman would in those circumstances seem nonsensical, particularly when you consider the ALP has only three women serving in the Upper House.
“Ultimately, candidates should be chosen on merit and Ben is an exceptionally meritorious candidate.”
