Labor names candidates in two by-elections

SA Unions secretary Joe Szakacs has been chosen as the Labor candidate to stand for the seat of Cheltenham in the South Australian parliament which is to be vacated by former Premier Jay Weatherill.

Mr Szakacs' selection has been announced by Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas.

Mr Malinauskas has also confirmed lawyer Andrea Michaels as the Labor candidate for Enfield to replace the retiring former deputy premier John Rau.

Both Mr Rau and Mr Weatherill recently announced their decision to quit politics despite being returned easily at the March state election.

They both entered the parliament in 2002 when Labor won office under Mike Rann.

By-elections are expected to be held in February with Labor likely to retain both seats.

Mr Malinauskas says both Mr Szakacs and Ms Michaels will be powerful advocates for their communities.