Portolesi to take on Xenophon in comeback bid
EXCLUSIVE | The most keenly-watched battleground in the March state election could be set for another twist, with former Labor frontbencher Grace Portolesi poised for a shock comeback bid in her former seat of Hartley – the same seat targeted by Nick Xenophon.
Grace Portolesi is tipped to stand again for Hartley. Photo: Facebook
The former Education and Child Development minister, who was shunted to the Employment portfolio in the wake of the Weatherill Government’s first-term child protection woes, is understood to be considering nominating for Labor preselection in the seat she lost to Liberal Vincent Tarzia in 2014.
Last month, Xenophon announced he would quit the senate in his own bid to return to state parliament, and would run in the north-eastern suburbs seat.
The prospect of Portolesi re-contesting sets up an intriguing three-cornered fight in the electorate, with party insiders suggesting picking an outcome would be a fraught exercise.
Several ALP sources have confirmed a concerted bid by factional powerbrokers to convince Portolesi to run again, and InDaily has been told she is inclined to do so – possibly as early as this week.
Portolesi did not respond to inquiries today.
“I know people are keen for her to run, certainly senior people who want her to do it,” said one source.
Another indicated Portolesi was “still keen”.
“She wants to run,” the insider told InDaily.
Xenophon said he was aware of the possibility, saying: “Labor people have told me her name has been mentioned.”
“It’s great that the people of Hartley are going to have such a choice at the next election,” he said.
“But I still reckon I’m the best choice by far!”
Portolesi, flanked by Premier Jay Weatherill, shares a joke with Humphrey Bear in her ministerial days. Photo: Facebook
It sets up an intriguing contest for the seat the Liberals hold by a nominal 3.3 per cent (up from 2.5 per cent at the 2014 election after a boundary redistribution).
Xenophon, ironically, has previously supported Portolesi politically, handing her his public endorsement before the last election.
@Nick_Xenophon had a red-hot go at Hartley in 2014, circulating a letter endorsing Labor incumbent Grace Portolesi. She fought like a lion but didn't make it.
— Michael Atkinson (@MickAtko) October 6, 2017
She retains significant local support and it’s understood she has attended several community events in the area in recent months, tying in with her role as SA’s Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commissioner.
If Labor can lift its primary vote above Xenophon, there is every chance it will regain the seat on preferences.
