Former City of Launceston councillor Simon Wood has been elected to replace former premier Peter Gutwein for the Liberals in Bass, promising to be a "straight shooter" with an immediate focus on cost of living pressures.
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Five candidates nominated for the recount following the sudden resignation of Mr Gutwein, whose 32,482 first preference votes from the election last May were redistributed.
Mr Wood finished with 61 per cent and 3500 votes ahead of fellow Liberal Greg Kieser.
He was the second Liberal to be elected to Bass on a recount in the space of two months, and will join Lara Alexander on the backbench who replaced Sarah Courtney in February.
Mr Wood said his time on the City of Launceston council should serve him well in his new role.
"I've met and had a lot to do with a lot of organisations in and around Launceston, that's particularly in my time as a councillor in the City of Launceston. I've had the luxury of a few days leave to get organised," he said.
"I guess one thing - or a few things - that are at the forefront of my mind is obviously cost of living, social issues are there.
"Whilst the government's done a tremendous job on those areas, there's always more work to do."
Mr Gutwein had been considered a moderate Liberal, particularly during his time as premier, and Mr Wood said he was of a similar vein.
The resignations of two of the government's most senior ministers resulted in backbenchers Madeleine Ogilvie and Jo Palmer being promoted to cabinet, while Nic Street recently replaced Jane Howlett, who remains in Parliament.
Mr Wood said he would be "very keen to tackle any opportunity that may present itself".
"At this stage I'm very happy just to take my time, learn the ropes, and see where that ends up," he said.
With the next election not scheduled until 2025, the Liberals have a task ahead to compensate for the loss of Mr Gutwein's electoral popularity in order to retain three of the five seats in Bass.
The government had been aiming for four seats in Bass at last year's election to cash in on the premier's popularity, but fell short. Labor's Janie Finlay polled strongly, and was crucial in the party retaining its two seats.
Mr Wood received 707 first preference votes and Ms Alexander 511, while unsuccessful Labor candidates Adrian Hinds and Jennifer Houston received 1663 and 1512 respectively.
Only deputy premier Michael Ferguson remains from the last election for the Liberals in the seat.
Mr Wood said he believed the government still had "vast talents" to draw upon.
He will take his seat on the backbench when Parliament resumes on Tuesday following a delay to allow for the Bass recount.
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