Western Australians have given a strong mandate to the Labor party in the state election, granting them a third consecutive term in power and electing Roger Cook as their representative.
The premier called the victory a vindication of his party’s vision, saying it was a vote for “a future which is made in WA”.
Despite their efforts, the Liberals have not been able to make a comeback, leaving Libby Mettam’s leadership uncertain as the party faces a challenging future.
Cook ‘humbled’, Liberals search for answers
Cook opened his victory speech saying “today, Western Australia has voted for a future, a future which is made in WA”.
Over the last eight years, Labor has been praised for providing steady governance centered on sound financial practices, emphasizing the importance of employment, public projects, and social welfare.
“And while we celebrate tonight, we are humbled, we did not take that trust for granted.
“We will work to repay this trust every single day.”
Mettam, in her concession speech, said the rebuild of the Liberal party would continue.
“Is this the result I hoped for? Of course not. Is this what we have been working for? Absolutely not,” she said.
“What we will take from tonight is lessons on how we can do better.”
Former Liberal premier Colin Barnett said the defeat was “disastrous”.
“Politics is so brutal, so public and so humiliating,” he said, on Nine’s coverage.
“For the Liberal Party, obviously this is going to be a very difficult time .”
