Senator Hanson-Young to run for leader of the Australian Greens — The Guardian

In Australia, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has confirmed her intention to run for leader of the Australian Greens following Larissa Waters’ unexpected resignation due to health reasons. The party’s new leader is expected to be elected soon during a two-day party gathering in Sydney.

As The Guardian reports, Hanson-Young said she was discussing her candidacy with colleagues and asked for their support. She also pledged to stand up to the Labor Party, the Liberal Party and Pauline Hanson’s One Nation party.

Contenders for the position

Other leading contenders for the leadership include Greens deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi and the party’s defence spokesperson David Shoebridge. The party’s finance spokesperson Nick McKim is also a possible candidate.

Shoebridge declined to comment on whether he would put forward his candidacy, noting that the party’s parliamentary group would make the decision. A spokesperson for Faruqi said that the New South Wales senator was considering her options.

More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.

According to the publication, all positions in the 11-member parliamentary group will be declared vacant. Negotiations may take place between parliamentarians to elect the leadership without a vote. A decision on the new leader is expected no later than Thursday.

Waters’ resignation

Larissa Waters announced her decision to step down as leader on Monday. She explained that she needed to focus on treatment for kidney disease, as her health had significantly deteriorated since she was elected leader in May last year.

Waters will take medical leave and then plans to return to work in the Senate. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wished her a recovery and noted her constructive approach during negotiations in the upper house of parliament.