WA’s Liberal party leader has thrown down the gauntlet to challengers after polling predicted the “immediate appointment” of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas as leader would allow the flailing party to gain back five seats at the election.
Libby Mettam has labelled the polling, commissioned by a mystery Perth business person with links to the party, as ‘flawed and clearly biased’, and has challenged anyone who wishes to be leader to move a no confidence motion against her during a meeting today.
Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas and Liberal Party leader Libby Mettam.Credit: Holly Thompson/ Supplied
“Constant undermining of leaders, especially from the shadows within, is a sad reality in politics today,” she said.
“But rather than weaken me it has made me stronger and more determined to succeed – not for myself – but for the people of Western Australia who deserve better.
“I’m not a quitter, I’m a fighter.”
The polling, published in The West Australian today, suggested another catastrophic election for the Liberals come election day in March.
The party currently holds just three out of 59 seats in the Legislative Assembly, with the polling predicting the party has gone backwards since the 2021 election bloodbath, losing ground in 14 key metropolitan seats.
Under Mettam, the party is predicted to suffer a 4 per cent drop, with the Liberal primary vote falling to 31 per cent in blue-ribbon seats like Churchlands and Nedlands.
On the flip-side, the polling suggests a 3 per cent swing towards the Liberal party under Zempilas’ leadership, and a 38 per cent primary vote.
The research, carried out by Sodali and Co, said Zempilas’ leadership could deliver wins in Churchlands, Nedlands, Carine, Bateman and Scarborough.
Read the full article here
