Basil Zempilas to nominate to leader WA Liberals of Libby Mettam steps down after election loss

The TV star, sport commentator and Lord Mayor of Perth is putting his hand up to lead the WA Liberals after the recent state election loss.

Basil Zempilas is expected to walk into the Western Australian parliament as the leader of the Liberal party, after Libby Mettam stepped down following the recent state election loss.

The current Lord Mayor of Perth, former host of Seven’s Weekend Sunrise, and AFL and Olympic commentator confirmed his leadership aspirations on Wednesday, just an hour after Ms Mettam made her announcement.

“I am prepared to put my name forward,” Mr Zempilas said on Thursday.

Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas says he will stand for the leadership of the WA Liberals

“Clearly, I would not be putting my name forward if I didn’t think I was capable of doing the job.

“We’re under no illusions we are an inexperienced lower house team when we step into parliament.

“I’m very pleased that Libby is going to be there with us, that is hugely important.”

Mr Zempilas will be a first-term MP after just winning the Perth seat of Churchlands at the March 8 election, which resulted in Labor’s third term.

The Liberals made little gains on the huge margin held by Premier Roger Cook’s team, winning just six seats with five seats still in doubt.

“While the election result delivered an historically significant 18 per cent plus swing against Labor it did not translate into a gain of seats as we had hoped,” Ms Mettam said.

“While I take responsibility for our result it is very clear that the constant and ongoing leadership speculation and destabilisation in late 2024 was a significant contributing factor to our outcome.”

She did not name Mr Zempilas, who has long been rumoured to hold aspirations to be Premier.

Basil Zempilas with WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam campaigning during the WA March 8 state election where the Liberals failed to make a dent in Labor. Picture: Paul Garvey

In standing down, she said she was given her successor the four years before the election to make an impact.

“This announcement gives my colleagues time to turn their thoughts to other leadership alternatives and ensures that continued speculation about my leadership doesn’t distract from our party’s federal election campaign,” she said.

“It has been an absolute honour and privilege to serve as WA Liberal leader.”

Mr Zempilas on Thursday denied fuelling speculation about Ms Mettam’s future.

“The natural process of the Liberal party is, after any election, all leadership positions are declared vacant, so I’m not in control of that,” he said.

Mr Zempilas welcomed Ms Mettam’s comments about seeking deputy leadership.

“We get on very well and we’ve worked very well together during the campaign so the prospect of working closely with her is one that excites me,” he said.

“We’re all on a steep learning curve and clearly the make-up of the Lower House for the Liberal party, there is going to be a number of first-timers and that’s why it’s so important that Libby is there with us.”