Former Law Council president expected to claim SA Senate seat

The replacement for outspoken senator Cory Bernardi will be chosen by about 300 South Australian Liberals at a ballot on Saturday.

Former president of the Law Council of Australia, Morry Bailes. Source: AAP

Former Law Council of Australia president Morry Bailes is widely expected to be chosen by the Liberal Party on Saturday to take up a Senate seat.

Retiring independent senator Cory Bernardi was last elected as a Liberal, so his former party will fill his casual vacancy and not the Australian Conservatives party he formed in 2017, which disbanded in June 2019.

Mr Bailes' is understood to have the backing of conservative cabinet ministers as well as SA backbenchers Tony Pasin and Nicolle Flint. Source: AAP

Mr Bailes' challengers include SA Legislative Council president Andrew McLachlan and business consultant Michael Van Dissel, a former treasurer of the party's SA division.

He is understood to have the backing of conservative cabinet ministers as well as SA backbenchers Tony Pasin and Nicolle Flint.

The winning candidate from the ballot of about 300 SA Liberal members won't be able to take their Senate seat until the SA parliament endorses him, which could occur as early as February 5.

Once the position is filled, the government's Senate numbers will be lifted to 36 in the 76-seat chamber.