Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
Liberals elect new deputy leader in Western Australia
Farmer and former journalist Steven Martin has been elected as deputy leader of the Western Australian Liberal Party.
February 28, 2024
The Western Australian Liberal’s housing and forestry spokesman has been elected as its new deputy leader.
Member for the Agricultural Region Steven Martin replaces Steve Thomas, who was stripped of his leadership roles.
The demotion on Tuesday came after Dr Thomas admitted he had contact with disgraced former premier-turned-lobbyist Brian Burke.
The revelation contradicted party leader Libby Mettam’s claim the party was not working with Mr Burke.
The state’s Liberal and Labor parties have been warring in recent weeks over the former premier and his alleged links for profit to the Cook government.
Ms Mettam on Wednesday said she would decide in coming days what portfolios Mr Martin would fill and whether Dr Thomas would be given any.
“We are a small team and we certainly have a significant task ahead,” she told reporters on Wednesday.
“But we are very much focused on calling the Cook Labor government to account.”
Mr Martin, a farmer and former journalist and president of the Shire of Wickepin, was elected unopposed.