Labor party powerbrokers have put a timeline in place for premier Mike Rann to be gone without any blood spilled.

After being told last Friday the party wanted him out, Mr Rann left for a week long trade mission in India.

He then issued a statementon Sunday night, endorsing education minister Jay Weatherill as his successor.

But Mr Rann maintains he'll decide exactly when to stand aside.

However, party officials say the premier will go before Christmas and there'll be no need for a party-room ballot.
 

Photo:Getty/Getty Images News/Jamie McDonald/Staff