Leader of the Liberal Party in Western Australia seeks to step down in support of Basil.
Libby Mettam announces she will not continue as WA Liberals leader due to lack of party colleagues’ support after another election defeat.
This decision now paves the way for Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, who recently won the Churchlands seat, to potentially take on the leadership role.
Mettam expressed her intention to run as a candidate for the deputy position, stating, “While I would have liked to continue as leader, it is evident that my colleagues do not support me to lead until the 2029 election.”
She also mentioned that she will be the most experienced Liberal in the Legislative Assembly and will support the new leader in the most effective way.
Despite stepping down as leader, she promised to support the new leader, whoever that may be.
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“I have heard that there is support for Basil Zempilas to lead, but we must allow our new candidates to make that decision,” she shared with the press.
She confirmed, “I am not aware of any other candidates expressing interest.”
The WA Liberals party room is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, and Mettam believed it was right to announce her decision beforehand.
She emphasized, “Once a decision is made, it should not be kept secret.”
Mettam took accountability for the party’s defeat in the recent state election but pointed out that leadership speculation significantly impacted the results.
Following Labor’s victory in the March 8 election, Mettam indicated that she would leave the leadership decision to the party room, considering Zempilas as her likely successor.
Zempilas, a prominent media figure turned mayor of Perth, addressed leadership queries during a televised debate on ABC Perth prior to the election by saying, “That’s hypothetical.”
Leadership uncertainty increased in November when leaked polls suggested higher party support if Zempilas led.
Mettam clarified, “Basil has made it clear, both publicly and privately, that he was not involved in that,” in response to the leadership rumors.
At the election, the Liberals secured four seats, including Churchlands, marking a positive shift after being reduced to just two seats following a significant Labor win in 2021.
By Jack Gramenz.
