Veteran Labor MP Leon Bignell was named Speaker this afternoon and temporarily stepped down from the Labor party as a result.

The Mawson MP replaces Daniel Cregan as Speaker, who was today named as independent Geoff Brock’s replacement in the Malinauskas Government Ministry.

Cregan’s portfolio is yet to be announced, with the Premier noting his intention to reshuffle the Cabinet this weekend.

Cregan, the MP for the Adelaide Hills seat of Kavel, quit the Liberal Party in 2021 in protest at what he believed was a lack of action by the then Marshall Government for his electorate.

The moves bolsters Labor’s political position, with Brock being replaced by another independent and the speaker’s position going to one of its longstanding foot soldiers.

Labor has a history of attracting former Liberal MPs to its side of the chamber when in government, including former Liberal leader Martin Hamilton-smith during the Weatherill government.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said he had invited Cregan to join the cabinet.

“I’m grateful that Mr Cregan has accepted my invitation to be a member of the government,” he said.

“He will remain as an independent – he will not be joining the Labor party – Dan wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The Premier said Bignell’s endorsement as Speaker “necessitates Mr Bignell temporarily leaving the Labor Party”.

“You’ll recall in the last Parliament we changed the Constitution Act and that requires that the Speaker not be a member of any particular party,” Malinauskas said.

Brock this afternoon announced he was stepping down from cabinet due to ill health, but would remain as MP for Stuart and will stand again for re-election in 2026.

The Local Government Association (LGA) President Mayor Dean Johnson today thanked Brock for his “dedication to local government”.

“Minister Brock’s commitment to making a positive impact in the community and making a difference in local government started when he was first elected to Port Pirie Regional Council in 1989 and has carried through in his time in office,” Mayor Johnson said.

“As Minister for Local Government, Geoff has been a dependable advocate for councils and their communities, working tirelessly to address the unique challenges faced by local government across South Australia.

“His efforts have helped to strengthen the relationship between the State Government and local councils, ensuring the voices of local communities are heard and considered in decision-making processes.”

In a statement to Parliament on Thursday, the Local Government, Regional Roads and Veterans Affairs minister said that nearly a year after suffering a heart attack, it was “time to step back, in the best interests of my health, my family and my constituents”.

“Serving as minister has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Brock said.

“I have always believed in making the most of every opportunity that has come my way, and I’ve fought hard for the communities and regions I’m so passionate about.

“This decision to resign now allows me to put all of my energy into my role as the Member for Stuart.”

The 74-year-old former Port Pirie smelter worker and Mayor was first elected to parliament as an independent during the 2009 by-election for the seat of Frome.

After the 2014 state election resulted in a hung parliament, Brock backed Labor and became Regional Development and Local Government Minister under Premier Jay Weatherill.

He remained an independent MP after the Marshall Government was elected in 2018, but in 2022 ran for the safe Liberal seat of Stuart after a boundary redistribution and defeated Deputy Premier Dan van Holst Pellekaan.

He was then appointed an independent Minister in the Malinauskas Government, until today’s announcement when he said he would step down on Monday.

In noting his proudest achievements in the role, Brock pointed to the work of ESCOSA, a review of local government elections, and his work with the Cooper Pedy Council.

Brock specifically made mention of his work as veterans affairs minister, saying he would “cherish the friendships” he had made “with our veterans and their families over the past two years”.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said in a statement that Brock was a “great South Australian” who had “made his local community a better place”.

The Premier said that Brock had suffered three heart attacks and undergone quadruple bypass surgery last year.

“Throughout both his terms in Cabinet, Geoff has provided a strong, independent, regional voice,” Malinauskas said.

“I am grateful Geoff intends to continue serving, and will seek re-election as the Member for Stuart – an electorate which he knows well and understands deeply.

“I want to thank him for his thoughtful and cooperative contribution to State Cabinet. We have been a stronger Government for it.”