West Australian Deputy Premier Roger Cook is the first senior Labor MP to raise his hand to fill the leadership vacancy left by Mark McGowan, who’s stepping down as premier.
Mr McGowan, 55, held a snap press conference on Monday to announce his retirement as WA premier, treasurer and MP for Rockingham at the end of this week.
Soon after Mr Cook confirmed he will run for the top job, with Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson and Transport Minister Rita Saffioti also tipped as likely contenders.
But a new leader may not be elected until next week with Mr McGowan yet to formally resign, which will be followed by a four-day period before a caucus vote.
The party caucus is also not officially scheduled to meet until early next week, although it could meet earlier.
In the meantime, WA Labor factions and unions will be meeting as they count their respective candidate’s numbers.
Mr McGowan, a former Navy lawyer, said the role of political leadership was relentless and the COVID-19 years had exhausted him.
“I just don’t have the energy or drive that is required to continue in the role as premier or to fight that election, which would have been my eighth election as a member of parliament,” he said, referring to the next state poll in 2025.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was among those who expressed their respect for Mr McGowan following his announcement.
“He has been a great premier of his proud state, an extraordinary leader for WA Labor and a trusted friend,” he said.
Unions WA secretary Owen Whittle also heaped praise, saying Mr McGowan had worked hard for WA and achieved much.
“True measures of leadership are the changes that make a lasting improvement in the lives of ordinary West Australians and on that score there are many as a lasting tribute to the service of Mark McGowan.”
Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Chris Rodwell said WA held far more sway in the federation as a result of Mr McGowan’s leadership.
“His capacity to draw support from the federal government has been outstanding,” he said.
But billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer was less complimentary.
“The people of Western Australia have suffered years of neglect under Mark McGowan, and time will tell the true cost of the damage he has caused the state,” he said.
– AAP
