Basil Zempilas looks set to win seat in WA state election
Basil Zempilas looks set to enter Western Australia's state parliament, but his future as the next leader of the Liberal Party might be much less certain.
The Perth lord mayor and media personality was the party's most high-profile candidate – and touted as favourite to replace Libby Mettam if she was unsuccessful in rebuilding the Liberals at this election.
But despite Zempilas' name recognition, he struggled to comfortably win the traditionally Liberal seat of Churchlands.
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The Perth lord mayor and media personality was the party's most high-profile candidate. Colin Murty
Worrying signs started to appear little over an hour after counting had started.
The primary vote had dropped for Labor incumbent Christine Tonkin – but it had also slid backwards slightly for Zempilas too.
"It's a diabolical result if this holds up," 9News political editor Charles Croucher said.
"The more booths that report in this seat, the worse the news gets for Basil Zempilas," said 9News Perth commentator Gareth Parker.
Labor's victory in the seat in 2021 was unexpected and a result of an enormous swing across the state for then-premier Mark McGowan and a reflection of his popular policies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Libby Mettam, in her concession speech, said the rebuild of the Liberal party would continue. Nine
Whilst Churchlands was expected to fall back to the Liberals this year, many didn't think it would be such a close race.
Even comparing to the 2017 result, Zempilas was tracking to have a lower primary vote than the last Liberal victory in the seat.
Whilst his primary vote improved throughout the night, the slimmer-than-anticipated victory may impact what the party decides to make of Zempilas as leader.
Mettam, in her concession speech, said the rebuild of the Liberal party would continue.
She did not indicate she would resign as leader.
"Is this the result I hoped for? Of course not. Is this what we have been working for? Absolutely not," she said.
Roger Cook and Labor claimed a resounding victory. Trevor Collens
"What we will take from tonight is lessons on how we can do better."
Labor and McGowan's successor, Roger Cook, claimed a resounding victory.
At the close of counting on Saturday night, Labor had secured at least 37 seats, well above the 30 needed to form government.
The Liberals and the Nationals had only two seats each, independents one, and 16 were still in doubt.
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