Tasmania’s parliament will be shaken up by a fourth House of Assembly recount since last year’s state election, sparked by the departure of another Liberal government politician.
Jacqui Petrusma retired in July after a 12-year career, citing a desire to spend more time with family.
She became the fourth Liberal MP to quit since the party’s re-election in May 2021, following Adam Brooks, Sarah Courtney and former premier Peter Gutwein.
A recount will begin on Monday to determine Ms Petrusma’s replacement in the southern electorate of Franklin.
Her seat will almost certainly go to another Liberal, with unsuccessful candidates Bec Enders and Dean Young set to contest the vacancy.
Ms Petrusma’s departure forced Premier Jeremy Rockliff to postpone parliamentary sittings to avoid a minority in the lower house.
The Liberals, who were re-elected with 13 of 25 lower house seats, have been forced into several cabinet reshuffles this year.
In addition to the four retiring MPs, upper house member Jane Howlett left cabinet in February after the death of her brother.
Ms Courtney and Mr Gutwein called time on lengthy political careers in February and April respectively for family reasons.
Mr Brooks quit shortly following the election after being charged with weapons offences by Queensland police.
