Democratic Alliance (DA) chief whip Douglas Gibson has confirmed he is considering standing for the party’s parliamentary caucus leadership.
If elected, Gibson will be leader of the official opposition in Parliament.
On Monday, Gibson said he would make a decision if he was convinced the party ”wants me”.
He said he had informed DA leader Helen Zille and the caucus on Thursday that he would not seek re-election as chief whip of the DA.
”I loved doing the job and considered continuing, but enough is enough. I outlasted six African National Congress chief whips and really do not wish to do it again with a seventh,” he said.
Gibson said he was not retiring as a politician, and still had much enthusiasm and energy.
Many colleagues had suggested he should seek election as leader of the caucus.
”I am considering standing and will decide whether to do so if I become convinced that the party wants me and that I am the person to help achieve the party’s long-term aims,” he said.
Following Zille’s election as party leader at the weekend, the DA will elect, among others, a parliamentary leader on Thursday next week.
Zille is also mayor of Cape Town, and has chosen to lead the DA from outside Parliament. — Sapa