New Leader Josh Willie Replaces Dean Winter After Labor Loss

If you're watching Tasmanian politics, this change is a game-changer. Josh Willie has just stepped in as the new Labor leader — but can he turn the tide after a stunning failure of Dean Winter’s no-confidence bid?

What Just Happened

• Josh Willie is now the Leader of the Tasmanian Labor Party, replacing Dean Winter after a leadership spill held on 20 August 2025.

• The shift comes a day after Winter’s no-confidence motion against Premier Jeremy Rockliff failed to attract a single crossbench vote.

Why the Leadership Change Happened

• Tasmanian Labor's internal rules trigger a leadership spill after an election loss.

• Dean Winter had initially considered staying on, and had support from nine of the 13 caucus MPs, but ultimately did not recontest, anticipating broader rank-and-file opposition.

• The failed motion laid bare Labor’s strategic disconnect and unwillingness to compromise — especially criticized by crossbenchers like Greens leader Rosalie Woodruff.

#BREAKING 🚨 Josh Willie has been elected as the new Tasmanian Labor leader, with Janie Finlay as his deputy – both unopposed

6 News understands Dean Winter was vying to hold onto leadership after the election loss, but Willie emerged unopposed after a lengthy caucus meeting pic.twitter.com/DP72VKBkr7

— 6 News Australia (@6NewsAU) August 20, 2025

What This Means Next

1. Josh Willie must rebuild trust — He needs to demonstrate openness to deal with the crossbench in Tasmania’s new hung parliament scenario.

2. Positioning for future elections — With Labor still in opposition, Willie must unify internal factions and present a clear alternative path.

3. Deputy leadership update — Janie Finlay has been elected unopposed as Deputy Leader, replacing Anita Dow.

Public Reactions & Context

• Labor insiders and crossbenchers voiced frustration at Winter’s inability to negotiate — media described it as a “spectacular failure” in a minority government setting.

• Premier Rockliff called for collaboration, noting that minority government demands agreement and shared responsibility.

A user @dead_at_sea wrote on X:

"i oppose willie emerging..."

i oppose willie emerging.

i guess the labor party really wanted willie.

— Bad Zombie (@dead_at_sea) August 20, 2025

Josh Willie & Dean Winter Backgrounds