The Democratic Alliance (DA) is set to elect a new parliamentary caucus leader this week, with three senior members of Parliament contesting the position.
The candidates are current chief whip George Michalakis, Eastern Cape leader Andrew Whitfield and party spokesperson on electricity and energy Kevin Mileham.
The leadership race follows the recent election of Geordin Hill-Lewis as the party’s national leader, who does not serve as a member of Parliament. This has created the need for a separate caucus leader to head the party’s parliamentary operations.
Caucus chairperson Desiree van der Walt said the vote will be conducted electronically during the party’s weekly caucus meeting on Thursday, with members required to rank candidates in order of preference.
A total of 99 MPs from both houses are expected to participate in the vote.
Michalakis, who currently serves as chief whip, could appoint a new whip if elected caucus leader. However, if unsuccessful, he risks losing the position unless the winning candidate opts to retain him.
Whitfield returned to Parliament last year after being dismissed as deputy minister following an unauthorised overseas trip.
Mileham has been an MP since 2013 and has held roles across several portfolios, including cooperative governance and energy.
The outcome of the vote will determine who leads the DA’s parliamentary caucus as the party navigates its next phase under new national leadership.
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