Basil Zempilas becomes leader of WA Liberals, with Libby Mettam as deputy in 2025.
Basil Zempilas Becomes Leader of WA Liberals, With Libby Mettam as Deputy: An In-Depth Analysis.
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In a significant reshuffling within the Western Australian Liberal Party, Basil Zempilas has officially assumed the role of leader, with Libby Mettam named as his deputy. This marks a new chapter for the party, which has faced a series of challenges in recent years, from internal divisions to a perceived weakening of its influence in the state. Zempilas, a prominent media personality and the current Lord Mayor of Perth, has brought a level of high-profile attention to the party at a time when the WA Liberals are looking to regain their footing in the state’s political landscape.
The leadership change is part of a broader strategy by the WA Liberals to reestablish their relevance in the state after a series of disappointing election results. The partnership between Zempilas and Mettam, who has been an experienced member of the party and the current Deputy Leader of the Opposition, signals the start of a new political direction for the Liberals. This transition has raised questions not only about the future of the party but also about the broader implications for Western Australian politics and the role of the Liberal Party in the state’s evolving political environment.
The Leadership Transition: Who Are Zempilas and Mettam? Basil Zempilas
Before diving into the implications of their leadership roles, it’s important to understand who Basil Zempilas and Libby Mettam are and what they bring to the table in their new positions.
Basil Zempilas
Basil Zempilas is a well-known public figure in Western Australia, primarily due to his long career in media. As the current Lord Mayor of Perth, Zempilas has enjoyed widespread name recognition, especially in Perth’s metropolitan areas. His tenure as Lord Mayor has seen a strong focus on urban renewal, local community initiatives, and making Perth a more attractive and accessible city. Prior to his role in local government, Zempilas was a leading figure in sports broadcasting, and his familiar face as a TV personality has made him a household name.
Zempilas’ entry into the political scene comes with the advantage of high-profile visibility and a record of public service, although his lack of deep political experience has been a point of contention for some. Nonetheless, his appeal lies in his outsider status in traditional politics, something that might resonate with voters who are looking for fresh faces in the Western Australian Liberal Party. His decision to move into state politics, particularly after a successful career in the media, marks a calculated shift aimed at revitalizing a party that has been struggling to connect with the electorate in recent years.
Libby Mettam
Libby Mettam, on the other hand, is a seasoned political figure. Having been a member of the Western Australian Parliament for several years, Mettam has established herself as a committed and pragmatic representative of her constituency. As the current Deputy Leader of the Opposition and a former shadow minister for health, she is well-versed in policy development and the mechanics of state government. Mettam has long been seen as a capable and steady hand in WA politics, with an ability to work across the aisle when necessary, while also fiercely advocating for Liberal values.
Her appointment as deputy leader reflects the WA Liberals’ intention to balance the fresh perspective that Zempilas brings with a more experienced and grounded political figure. Mettam’s leadership qualities and her deep understanding of policy issues will be crucial in ensuring that the Liberal Party remains focused on its core message while positioning itself for success in future elections.
The WA Liberal Party’s Recent Struggles Basil Zempilas
To fully grasp the significance of this leadership transition, it is important to consider the political context in which it is occurring. The WA Liberal Party has faced a series of setbacks over the past decade, and these challenges have contributed to the need for a change in leadership.
Election Losses
One of the most significant challenges for the WA Liberals in recent years has been their performance in state elections. In 2017, the party suffered a devastating defeat to the Labor Party, led by Premier Mark McGowan. The Liberals’ standing in the state Parliament was significantly diminished, and they have struggled to recover their footing since. McGowan’s Labor Party has maintained dominance, and its popularity reached unprecedented levels, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when McGowan’s hardline approach to border closures and health policies made him a popular figure. The WA Liberals, by contrast, have struggled to define their position and effectively challenge Labor’s narrative.
Internal Division
In addition to electoral challenges, the WA Liberal Party has also been plagued by internal division. Over the years, there have been factions within the party, with competing visions for the future of the party. The division has been particularly evident in the leadership struggle, which saw multiple leaders come and go in a short span of time. The infighting and lack of cohesion at the top levels of the party have weakened its ability to mount a credible challenge to Labor.
Policy Disconnect with Voters
Another issue that has hampered the WA Liberals is their policy platform. While the party remains strong in traditional areas such as business and the economy, they have struggled to connect with voters on social issues, climate change, and regional concerns. The rise of the Green and independent political movements has also chipped away at the Liberals’ base, particularly among younger voters and urban populations.
The party has also struggled with branding itself in a way that resonates with a changing electorate. While the Liberals have historically been associated with pro-business policies, their messaging has sometimes failed to address broader issues such as cost-of-living pressures, health services, and education, which have become important to voters in recent years.
Zempilas’ Vision for the WA Liberals Basil Zempilas
As Basil Zempilas takes over as leader of the WA Liberals, much will depend on how he navigates the challenges facing the party. Zempilas has made it clear that he wants to bring the Liberal Party into a new era by reconnecting with voters, particularly in the metropolitan area, where the Liberals have struggled in recent years. His leadership is expected to focus on the following priorities:
- Rebuilding Trust and Brand Image
Zempilas’ background as a media personality could prove advantageous in terms of rebuilding the party’s image. His high-profile status allows him to command attention and potentially reach a broader audience. Zempilas is likely to focus on rebuilding trust in the party by projecting an image of unity, fresh leadership, and pragmatism. His ability to communicate effectively with the public could be key to overcoming the perception that the WA Liberals are disconnected from the needs of voters. - Focusing on Key State Issues
Zempilas has already indicated that he wants the Liberal Party to address the key issues affecting Western Australians, such as the cost of living, health services, education, and infrastructure. His focus on Perth and urban renewal during his time as Lord Mayor suggests that he will continue to advocate for the development of the city, while also making sure that regional areas are not left behind. - Economic Reform and Jobs Creation
The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery process will remain central to Zempilas’ leadership. He is likely to emphasize policies that promote job creation, particularly in sectors that have been impacted by global disruptions. Additionally, the resource-rich state of Western Australia will remain a focal point, with Zempilas likely advocating for policies that promote mining, energy, and technological innovation. - Climate Change and Sustainability
As climate change continues to dominate political discourse, Zempilas will need to find a way for the WA Liberals to engage with environmental issues while maintaining their pro-business platform. This will likely involve striking a balance between supporting traditional industries like mining and energy, while also addressing growing concerns about sustainability and green energy. - Building Unity within the Party
Zempilas’ ability to unite the different factions within the party will be critical. Internal division has been a persistent issue for the WA Liberals, and Zempilas will need to focus on creating a more cohesive party structure. This may involve fostering a spirit of collaboration with key figures like Libby Mettam, who has the experience and political savvy to help guide the party back into competitive contention.
Libby Mettam’s Role as Deputy Leader Basil Zempilas
Libby Mettam’s appointment as deputy leader complements Zempilas’ fresh approach while providing the party with stability and experience. Mettam is well-regarded for her strong work ethic and ability to connect with voters on a personal level. She has already established herself as an effective voice on key issues like healthcare, education, and regional development. Her leadership will provide a steady hand in guiding the party through the complex policy landscape.
As deputy leader, Mettam’s role will be pivotal in supporting Zempilas’ vision, particularly in areas where she has extensive policy knowledge. Her experience in navigating the intricacies of state politics will be an asset as the party looks to develop a comprehensive policy platform that resonates with voters across Western Australia.
The Road Ahead for the WA Liberals
Basil Zempilas’ leadership, along with Libby Mettam’s support, provides the WA Liberals with a chance to reset and reassert themselves in the state’s political landscape. However, challenges remain. The party will need to navigate its internal divisions, address voter concerns about its policies, and build a coherent platform that appeals to a broad base of supporters.
The upcoming state elections will be a key test for Zempilas and Mettam. Voters will be watching closely to see whether the new leadership can offer a compelling alternative to the dominance of the Labor Party under Mark McGowan. In particular, Zempilas’ ability to engage with both urban and regional voters will be crucial, as will his skill in tackling economic and social issues that matter most to the people of Western Australia.
Whether the WA Liberals can regain the trust of the electorate and position themselves as a credible opposition force will depend on their ability to present a clear, unified vision that reflects the values and concerns of modern Western Australians. The next few years will be critical in determining whether the new leadership under Zempilas and Mettam can guide the party back into relevance and ultimately to electoral success.
