MacTiernan says 'no way' to WA leadership

Federal member for Perth Alannah MacTiernan insists she doesn't want to unseat Mark McGowan as leader of the state Labor party.

Ms MacTiernan and Labor's other two West Australian MPs, Melissa Parke and Gary Gray, recently announced they would not contest this year's federal poll.

While Ms MacTiernan voiced her full support for Mr McGowan in her surprise February 12 announcement, speculation persists the dynamic former state minister may intend to return to WA politics in a big way.

"If the party wants me to come back and serve in the state team, it's something I would consider but I would not in any way be putting my hand up as a candidate for the leadership," Ms MacTiernan told 6PR radio on Sunday.

"Mark McGowan is satisfying those KPIs, he's the preferred premier, he's ahead in the polls. I think we'd be nuts to do anything but get behind him.

"I'm prepared to be part of the team. I don't want to do anything negative."

Mr McGowan said Ms MacTiernan had indicated she was only interested in an Upper House role.

"Alannah is useful and she has a cult following, and I have an enormous amount of respect for her," he told reporters.

"She was great as a minister.

"I think she'd be a good addition back in the team."