David O'Byrne has announced he will resign as Tasmanian Labor leader at the next caucus meeting following allegations of sexual harassment.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr O'Byrne earlier stated he would step aside as leader while the party undertook an investigation into the allegations, but has now confirmed he will no longer be leader.
Mr O'Byrne said the allegations 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," he said.
"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."
Mr O'Byrne said he had a life-long commitment to the cause of Labor, and his decision to resign from the leadership reflected this.
"I intend to remain in the Tasmanian House of Assembly as the member for Franklin," he said.
"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."
Braddon MHA Anita Dow was acting Labor leader prior to Mr O'Byrne's appointment as Labor leader.
Mr O'Byrne was voted by the party as leader in mid-June with 74 per cent of the party vote over Braddon MHA Shane Broad.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
- Follow us on Google News: The Examiner