STATEMENT FROM BASIL ZEMPILAS

Leader of the Opposition Basil Zempilas said he has accepted the resignation of the Member for Nedlands Jonathan Huston from the WA Parliamentary Liberal Party.

Mr Zempilas said he was disappointed Mr Huston would not continue as the Liberal Member for Nedlands.

“I am particularly disappointed for the people of Nedlands, who elected Jonathan as a Liberal,” Mr Zempilas said.

“Jonathan wants to head in a policy direction that does not align with the WA Parliamentary Liberal Party.

“This includes significant increases in mining royalties, which, as Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal team and Leader of the Opposition I have no intention of pursuing.

“We are united as a team in our efforts to hold this Government to account and to put forward a strong and credible alternative policy agenda.

“Jonathan has decided he does not wish to be part of that agenda as a Liberal Member of Parliament and I accept that.”

As a consequence of his resignation from the Parliamentary Liberal Party, Mr Huston immediately ceases to be a member of the WA Liberal Party.

Mr Zempilas confirmed the Liberal Party would contest the seat of Nedlands at the next State election.

“The people of Nedlands elected a Liberal Member of Parliament in 2025,” he said.“The Liberal Party will vigorously contest the seat in 2029.”

Mr Huston’s resignation has no impact on the current Opposition Alliance arrangements and Mr Zempilas remains the WA Leader of the Opposition.

Mr Huston’s Shadow portfolio responsibilities will be redistributed as follows:

Small Business: Hon Steve Martin MLC

Public Sector: Hon Neil Thomson MLC

Veterans: Hon Tjorn Sibma MLC