Tasmanian Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff is set to ascend to the state's top job unopposed, but a battle is looming to be his second-in-command.
Liberal MPs will on Friday hold a partyroom meeting to decide Tasmania's next leader after Premier Peter Gutwein's shock announcement that he is quitting politics.
Mr Rockliff, deputy premier since the Liberals came to power in 2014, has publicly indicated he wants to become the state's 47th premier and is "optimistic" of his chances.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson was considered the most likely to challenge Mr Rockliff.
Mr Ferguson, one of the state party's more conservative voices, on Thursday said he will nominate to support Mr Rockliff as his deputy premier.
"It is Jeremy's time to lead the party," he said in a statement.
"The government ... has taken Tasmania's economy and employment outcomes from nation-lagging to nation-leading.
"Jeremy and I have prudently worked through our plans this week, we are focused on the everyday needs of Tasmanians.
"We have a plan for the government's continued success based on the very sound foundations we have laid since 2014."
Attorney-General Elise Archer on Wednesday confirmed she will throw her hat in the ring to be deputy premier, setting up a two-way race with Mr Ferguson.
"My friend and colleague Elise Archer deserves great credit for her work as a reformer attorney-general and I welcome her nomination," Mr Ferguson said.
Mr Ferguson said he could be depended on as a "unifying and supportive person and experienced hand".
Mr Ferguson, 48, was elected to state parliament in the northern electorate of Bass in 2010 after a stint as the seat's federal MP from 2004-07.
Mr Gutwein was elected premier unopposed by his Liberal colleagues in January 2020 after Will Hodgman walked away from the job mid-term.
Mr Gutwein, who was elected to state parliament in 2002, cited a draining pandemic workload and a desire to spend more time with family as reasons for resigning.
The Liberals also need to appoint a new treasurer and re-assign Mr Gutwein's other portfolios of tourism and climate change.
