The former South Australian Premier has been slammed by a fellow Liberal politician because of the party’s “woke issues” that led to defeat at the state election.
NSW Transport and Veterans Minister David Elliott commented on what he claimed was the SA party’s demise when Steven Marshall was quickly voted out of leadership.
He said Saturday night’s loss should serve as a warning to all MPs not to “interfere” with the Liberal’s centre-right ideals.
“There are way too many woke issues that are seeping through the cracks and the electorate isn't too grateful for it,” Mr Elliott told The Daily Telegraph.
“It’s happening all over the place and my heart goes out to Dom (Perrottet) and Scott (Morrison) who are trying to manage parts of the Liberal Party who are interfering.
“Forget about your pet issues, forget about the issues that are largely symbolic.”
His comments come as a social media post from Mr Elliott, shared in an internal message with NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman, circulated.
“The result of tonight’s South Australian election is an example of what happens when a Centre Right Party moves away from the Centre – Right,“ Mr Elliot wrote on the social media post on Sunday.
“Ignore the base and the base ignores you.”
South Australia’s 47th premier Peter Malinauskas was sworn in on Monday morning after his landslide victory on March 19.
The Labor Party formed a majority government, winning more than the required 24 seats.
While the leader, his deputy Susan Close and Treasurer Stephen Mulligan also took the oath today, the remainder of Mr Malinauskas’ Cabinet are due to be sworn in later this week.
After conceding defeat, Mr Marshall announced he wxjmtzywould stand down as the leader of the Liberal party with talks continuing to determine his successor.
He formerly resigned as Premier at Government House prior to Mr Malinauskas’ ceremony.
