The Tasmanian Labor Party will head to the next election without two of its longest serving MPs, following news that Lyons MHA David Llewellyn will not contest his seat.
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Former Tasmanian premier Lara Giddings announced on Sunday that she would not run for the pre-selection of her lower house seat of Franklin at the next state election.
This news was backed up on Monday when Mr Llewellyn, 74, announced he would also retire from politics at the election.
Mr Llewellyn was first elected to his seat in 1986 and went on to hold portfolios including energy, resources and primary industries.
He served as Paul Lennon’s deputy premier from 2004 to 2006.
“I'll be 75 years of age in August this year and it is a young person's game politics,” Mr Llewellyn said.
“I went to the election on the last occasion in 2014 with the knowledge that I would spend the four years in Parliament and that's coming up now very shortly.
“I would love to be 20 years younger and part of the White government because I think that's what will happen at the next state election.”
Political analyst Kevin Bonham said he was not shocked to see Mr Llewellyn and Ms Giddings leaving.
“They’ve also lost Bryan Green as well so it does mean that there will be a relativity inexperienced Labor line-up going to the next election in terms of time spent in Parliament,” Dr Bonham said.
“Speculation that both of them would not re-contest, and possibly even resign before the election, has been flying for some time.
“In terms of the party, it’s often an advantage to get new incumbents in part way through the term so that they can build a profile.”
Opposition Leader Rebecca White said Mr Llewellyn would be missed in Lyons.
“David's given so much of his life to the Tasmanian Labor Party and indeed his experience has been greatly beneficial to me and the other members of the team,” Ms White said.
“He's been able to draw upon the wealth of knowledge he's had as a minister in government for many years.”
But Leader of Government Business Michael Ferguson said the changes took a lot of experience out of the party.
“This means that at the next election Labor will only have five members of the House of Assembly who want to continue, compared with the Liberals’ 15,” he said.
It has been speculated that former Labor MP David O’Byrne would contest Ms Giddings’ Franklin seat, but Mr O’Byrne would not confirm the fact on Monday.
