South Australian Liberal Party very fragile
From Around South Australia
FORMER deputy leader Vickie Chapman has exposed the fragile nature of Liberal Party unity in South Australia by refusing to rule out a challenge to Isobel Redmond during the next term of government.
Ms Chapman, a central figure in destabilising former leader Martin Hamilton-Smith, twice yesterday refused to give Ms Redmond complete support.
Her position changed last night when she said Ms Redmond had her full support.
"I will not challenge Isobel for the position of leader of the Liberal parliamentary party or premier," Ms Chapman said in a statement. "I am committed to winning the state election."
But Ms Chapman's refusal to say so in the first instance will stupify Liberal supporters, who have seen Ms Redmond take the party from obscurity to a genuine chance in Saturday's election.
It raises questions about how much stability a Redmond government could offer.
