Libby Mettam Steps Down as WA Liberal Leader, Basil Zempilas to Seek Leadership
The WA Liberal Party begins a critical leadership transition following its second-worst election defeat, with Mettam aiming for deputy leader and Zempilas confirming his candidacy.
- Libby Mettam has resigned as WA Liberal leader after acknowledging insufficient support to continue in the role through to the 2029 election.
- Newly elected Churchlands MLA Basil Zempilas has announced his intention to nominate for the party leadership at a meeting next week.
- Mettam cited internal instability and leadership speculation in late 2024 as key factors in the party's poor March 8 election performance.
- The WA Liberal Party retained only six seats in the lower house, marking its second-worst result, while Labor maintained a dominant majority with 44 seats.
- The upcoming leadership decision will involve both lower house and upper house members, with the party aiming to stabilize and rebuild for the 2029 election.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation 
news.com.au 
The Sydney Morning Herald 