TV Host Turned Mayor Launches Bid for WA State Parliament

The Liberal Party only holds 3 seats in the 53-seat Western Australia lower house.
TV Host Turned Mayor Launches Bid for WA State Parliament
City of Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas talks on stage during the Perth Scorchers Fan Day at Forrest Chase in Perth, Australia on Jan. 30, 2023. Paul Kane/Getty Images for Cricket Australia
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TV sports host-turned-Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has announced he will seek the state Liberal Party’s pre-selection for Churchlands, one of the wealthiest seats in Western Australia.

“I’ve been able to witness the effect of a lack of balance in our political system on how this government operates and more balance in opposition is going to produce a better government—whichever way it is,” he told reporters.

WA Liberal Leader Libby Mettam welcomed the announcement.

“It’s fantastic to see a number of high-quality candidates come forward and express interest in running for the Liberal Party in the lead-up to 2025,” she said.

Held by Independent Liz Constable between 1996 and 2013, the seat reverted to the Liberals in the 2013 election.
Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.
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