I will be tendering my resignation as Leader of the Tasmanian Parliamentary Labor Party at the next Caucus meeting.
The allegations raised will be dealt with through the confidential process initiated by the State Secretary. I intend to respect the confidentiality of that process and I will make no further public comment on it.
Ongoing speculation about this matter is not in the best interests of the Party. The focus of the Party needs to be on holding the Gutwein Government to account and the current debate is a distraction from this central task.
I have a life-long commitment to the cause of Labor and my decision to resign from the Leadership reflects this.
I intend to remain in the Tasmanian House of Assembly as the member for Franklin. I will continue to represent the people of Franklin and to represent them to the best of my ability.
I will neither seek nor accept any Shadow portfolios and will give my strong support to a new Labor leadership team.
David O'Byrne MP
Labor Member for Franklin
