High-profile Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has confirmed her intention to run for the party’s leadership following the unexpected resignation of Larissa Waters. This announcement comes as the party prepares for a two-day retreat in Sydney, where a new leader is expected to be chosen imminently.
Leadership Bid
Hanson-Young took to social media to express her commitment to the party, stating, "I am speaking with my colleagues about the best way to help the Greens and have asked for their support to be the next leader." She emphasized the need for a stronger opposition against the Labor and Liberal parties, as well as One Nation, led by Pauline Hanson.
“"People deserve better than the failed policies and weak excuses from the Labor and Liberal parties and the hate peddling from Pauline Hanson’s One Nation. Our communities and environment are being hammered by a rigged system and they want politicians that will fight for them. I will fight with everything I’ve got," she added.
Context of Resignation
The resignation of Waters, who has been the party's leader since May 2022, took many Greens MPs by surprise. She announced her decision to step down to focus on treatment for kidney disease, which has significantly affected her health since taking on the leadership role.
Frontrunners for the leadership position include Mehreen Faruqi, the deputy leader, and David Shoebridge, the defence spokesperson. Nick McKim, the Greens Treasury spokesperson, is also a potential candidate. All positions within the party will be declared vacant, and discussions may take place to avoid a ballot in the 11-person party room.
