Tasmania's Labor opposition has elected a new leader after a state election campaign marred by factional infighting and candidate drama.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Former deputy David O'Byrne, backed by the party's left faction, claimed the leadership ballot on Tuesday night with 74 per cent of the vote.
He beat Shane Broad, who recently lashed left powerbrokers for pulling the party too far in that direction and said a return to the political centre was needed to ensure success.
"This is an enormous honour and responsibility in equal parts," Mr O'Byrne posted on Facebook.
"I commit to work hard every day, in building unity and clarity of purpose in our party."
He thanked Dr Broad and previous leader Rebecca White, who stepped down from the top role last month after Labor lost the May 1 poll - their third defeat in a row.
"I have personally congratulated David and want him to succeed as leader," Dr Broad said in a social media message.
"I'll be a team player getting on with the task of winning the next election!"
The leadership ballot included the votes of Labor rank and file members.
Ms White, who was also at the helm of the party's 2018 loss, is remaining an MP.
Mr O'Byrne served as her deputy and has previously held ministerial portfolios, including environment, parks and heritage, and infrastructure, in previous Labor governments.
The 52-year-old former union official lost his seat at the 2014 state poll but was returned four years later.
Labor holds nine seats in Tasmania's 25-member lower house, with the Liberal government holding a majority with 13 seats.
Labor was left red faced when popular mayor Dean Winter was elected in Franklin despite his candidacy initially being blocked by factional powerbrokers.
Ms White was forced to ask Labor's national executive to overturn the decision.
In the early stages of the campaign, state party president Ben McGregor was forced to stand down as a candidate after it was revealed he sent "inappropriate" messages to a woman.
Mr McGregor accused people in the party of engaging in a smear campaign against him and "weaponising" outrage at the treatment of women.
Australian Associated Press
