Mark McGowan was just off the Telethon Ball stage when it happened. It was a cool evening last October, and the charity event was the biggest night on Perth’s social calendar. Basil Zempilas, the city’s garrulous Lord Mayor, rose to thank the West Australian premier for his attendance.

“I also want to thank Kerry, the man who really runs the state,” Zempilas joked, according to two sources at the ball. It was a remark that did not go unnoted. After all, the WA premier and Anthony Albanese were in the room.