Basil Zempilas Takes Helm of WA Liberals as Party Secures Opposition Role
A recount victory in Kalamunda restores the WA Liberal Party's opposition status, with Zempilas pledging a reset to revive the party after its electoral setbacks.
- The WA Liberal Party secured its seventh seat in the Legislative Assembly after Adam Hort's narrow victory in Kalamunda, reclaiming official opposition status.
- Basil Zempilas, a first-term MP and former Perth Lord Mayor, has been elected unopposed as the new leader of the WA Liberal Party.
- Zempilas has called for a 'reset' to rebuild the party after its second-worst election result, focusing on preparing for the 2029 state election.
- The party's win in Kalamunda, flipping a Labor-held seat with a 14.5% margin, was critical to avoiding resource-sharing negotiations with the Nationals.
- Zempilas faces scrutiny over his media connections, but he denies any undue influence from figures like Kerry Stokes or Gina Rinehart on his leadership.
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Brisbane Times 