The Liberal Party is adamant that MacKillop will remain a Liberal seat at the 2026 election.
South Australia Liberal Party leader David Speirs says the party remained incredibly committed to the South-east despite the recent saga involving MacKillop member Nick McBride’s resignation.
In an interview with The [Naracoorte Community] News, Mr Speirs launched a scathing attack on Mr McBride, labelling the MP’s decision “disappointing” and a “changing of priorities”.
He said Mr McBride walked away from the party for a range of complex “personal reasons” and that his choice was substandard.
Mr Speirs claimed that Mr McBride’s priorities have now changed, but this would in no way affect the party, its values, or its commitment.
“While Nick McBride’s priorities have changed, ours haven’t, and we remain incredibly committed to the South-east—that’s why I’m making my eighth trip to the region since becoming Leader of the Opposition.
“Nick McBride walked away from the party for a range of complex personal reasons, and his choice is disappointing, but the Liberal parliamentary team is unified like never before and we are confident the electorate of MacKillop will remain a Liberal seat at the 2026 election.”
While Mr McBride has been adamant his future decisions will reflect Liberal values, the Opposition Leader said he was ready to work with him if needed.
“This isn’t about Nick McBride or the Liberal Party, this is about the best outcomes for people in the South-east.
“Only a Liberal government will focus on the regions, delivering what’s needed, and respecting regional people and their values.”
In a public statement announcing his resignation, Mr McBride claimed factional pressures and disunity were at play in the party and that the party was trying to ostracise one of its own.
Mr McBride is the sixth former Liberal MP to join the crossbench in recent years. His exit leaves the party with 15 seats in the 47-seat House of Assembly.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
Related stories: McBride fires back, Response to McBride defection, Statement by Nick McBride – Member for MacKillop
