Reform Party Leader Dumped!With a disappointing result for the second election in a row, Reform Party MP's were growing tired with the failures of David Judd to turn around the party and revive it to the success it once achieved. In the early hours of the morning, MPs met to discuss the future leadership options of the party. Mr Judd was adamant to take the party into the next election, claiming he had increased the party vote in both elections he had been leader. However criticism from Deputy Leader Kathlyn Montgomery quickly quashed any hope of Mr Judd retaining his position, with Ms Montgomery stating "
... while I recognise our vote has increased, we still are the smallest party in the parliament and furthermore, we have only regained seats we have lost, we have still yet to make any true gains...
It is understood that Mr Judd refused to resign amid pressure from the Reform Party MPs, who then put forward a leadership spill motion.
Three candidates put their name up for the leadership of the party.
David JuddThe current leader of the Reform Party, who many held high hopes for , yet has failed to translate this into electoral success
Seymour SpearsFormer Deputy Leader of the Reform Party (while it was named Liberal National Party). Seymour Spears was considered a popular candidate due to his hardline conservative approach , however there were concerns regarding his ages and his "establishment image"
Greg ParksMP, while Mr Parks has no previous experience in the leadership of the Reform Party, he possesses a populist appeal among the voting population. He also has been a strong critic of the Reform Party leadership under Mr Judd, which did cause him to struggle to gain support among the loyal to Mr Judd.
The votes of the 47 MPs resulted in:
1. Greg Parks - 22 votes
2. David Judd - 21 votes
3. Seymour Spears - 4 votes
As no candidate reached majority a second round of voting was conducted. It is believed that prior to this, Ms Montgomery publicly to the party room endorsed to Mr Parks which was a devastating blow to Mr Judd's support.
The results of the second round of voting
1. Greg Parks - 39 votes
2. David Judd - 8 votes
With Mr Parks winning the second round of voting, Mr Judd was officially removed as Leader of the Reform Party immediately. Mr Parks has chosen to keep Ms Montgomery on as Deputy Leader.
Time will tell whether Mr Parks will be able to reverse the fortunes of the Reform Party.