Former South Australian Liberal leader David Speirs charged with drug offences
Former South Australian Liberal leader David Speirs has quit parliament after police confirmed he was charged with drug offences.
Mr Speirs released a statement via Facebook on Saturday afternoon, confirming that he would resign as Member for Black.
He denied any wrongdoing earlier this year after the release of a video allegedly showing him with a white powder in his home.
At the time, Mr Speirs claimed it was a computer-generated video and a ‘deep fake’.
An SA Police spokesperson said in a statement on Saturday that Mr Speirs had been charged with two counts of supplying a controlled substance and would appear in court at a later date.
“Police can confirm that Mr Speirs was arrested in Berri on September 26, 2024 and charged with two counts of supplying a controlled substance between August 2 and 3 and on August 9,” the spokesperson said.
‘After this, his home was searched.
‘Mr Speirs was granted bail by police and will appear in court at a later date.’
He resigned as state opposition leader in August and said in September he would take medical leave after consulting doctors.
David Speirs announced on Saturday he would withdraw from parliament after police confirmed he had been charged with drug offenses
In a statement titled “I love our community. I want you to hear this first,” Speirs announced on Saturday that he would quit as Member for Black when parliament returns later this month.
“The last few months have been incredibly challenging for me, culminating in me leaving the leadership of the Liberal Party in August,” he said.
‘I have had to endure a lot of pressure in recent months. My mental health has deteriorated significantly. I haven’t been the best version of myself.’
David Speirs at a press conference before his dismissal (left) and in a video he claimed was a ‘deepfake’ showing him snorting a white powder in his home
Mr Speirs used the video to once again deny any accusations of using illegal substances and said he would continue to fight to clear his name.
“Since allegations of illegal substance use in my home became public, my home has been raided by armed police,” he said.
‘And I was arrested and interrogated. I believe there is someone quite sinister behind it.
“And while I am personally devastated by what happened – and I will fight to clear my name of all allegations – I am equally concerned about what is effectively the use of state government power against someone who is a political opponent .’