Rumours and leaks swirling around the latest baying for SA political blood have Mike Smithson reminiscing about “Young Peter’s” own involvement in a former Labor leaders’ assassination.

The element of surprise is always a key tactic to launching a political coup or leadership challenge.

There has been more than an ounce of truth to Liberal Party events of the past week, but those wanting to swing the axe against incumbent leader Vincent Tarzia were unlikely to have the immediate courage of their convictions.

I’ve witnessed the execution or attempted dismemberment of three leaders over the past 29 years of covering politics and all had differing approaches in their savagery and success.

This past week’s reported move against Tarzia will always be disputed by those in the know with an official verdict of “nothing to see here.”

The fact that leaks followed results of an internal poll, which were supposed to be kept under wraps behind closed doors, speaks volumes about where the so-called party faithful are at.

I’d be surprised if his apparent successor Ashton Hurn, who’s the obvious choice, would have much appetite left to savour the top job, even if drafted into it, after the intense scrutiny which should have been easily avoided.

She’s no traitor looking to undermine the leader and never has been, but plenty of others seem ready to push her forward.

How on earth do they think that party problems will now be resolved by handing her the poisoned chalice at this point?

How have previous coups avoided the stuff-up which publicly........

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