Liberal leader Libby Mettam has announced her resignation as WA Liberals leader, citing a lack of support from her colleagues following another significant election defeat. In a candid statement on Thursday, Mettam revealed that she would not continue in the leadership role through to the next election in 2029. Instead, she has opted to run as a candidate for the deputy leadership, aiming to remain an influential voice in the party despite stepping down from the top position.
Opening the Door for Basil Zempilas
Mettam’s departure paves the way for high-profile Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas, who recently secured the seat of Churchlands at the state election, to assume the leadership of the WA Liberals. With his election to parliament and growing support within the party, Zempilas is widely touted as the natural successor. “I understand through conversations that there is support for Basil Zempilas going forward as the leader,” Mettam told reporters. “But we need to give an opportunity for our incoming candidates to ultimately make that decision.”
A Transparent Transition
Emphasizing the importance of transparency in political decision-making, Mettam stated, “A decision once made should not remain secret.” Although she took responsibility for the party’s recent defeat, she also noted that ongoing leadership speculation had contributed to the poor electoral outcome. Despite her own disappointment, Mettam vowed to support the new leader, regardless of whether she secures the deputy’s position.
Leadership Instability and Party Rebuilding
The recent election left the WA Liberals in a precarious position, having been reduced to a political wilderness since 2021 when they were left with only two seats following a landslide Labor victory. The party managed to gain four seats at the March 8 election, including Churchlands, but the results have intensified internal calls for change. Leaked polling in November suggested that the party’s vote could improve significantly if Basil Zempilas led the campaign, further fueling speculation about his potential rise.
READ MORE: Confusion Over Health Responsibility as Roger Cook’s WA Ministry Sworn In
During a debate on ABC Perth before the election, Zempilas was asked if he would step forward if Mettam resigned. He brushed off the question as “hypothetical,” but his public and private communications with party members indicate strong support for his leadership.
A New Chapter for the WA Liberals
As the WA Liberals party room prepares to meet on Tuesday to decide on the new leadership, the focus remains on rebuilding and moving forward. Mettam’s decision to step down, while maintaining her role as deputy candidate, signals a commitment to a team-based approach that she believes is crucial for the party’s future success. “I will be the only experienced Liberal in the Legislative Assembly,” she noted, emphasizing her readiness to support the new leader and help guide the party through challenging times.
The federal government’s recent funding boost for the ACCC and its broader initiatives to promote competition in various sectors provide a contrasting backdrop to the political instability within the WA Liberals. As Mettam and her colleagues navigate this period of transition, all eyes will be on how the party restructures itself and whether it can regain public trust ahead of the next election in 2029.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in WA Politics
Libby Mettam’s resignation as WA Liberals leader marks a significant turning point for the party. Her decision, driven by the reality of limited support and a desire for a more effective, united approach, opens the door for a new generation of leadership spearheaded by figures like Basil Zempilas. While the challenges ahead remain daunting, the commitment to transparency and collaboration may pave the way for a revitalized party capable of addressing the needs of Western Australians in these globally uncertain times.
