Deputy Premier Roger Cook is ready to grow to be Western Australia’s subsequent premier after a rollercoaster 48 hours in WA politics, promising he has the vitality and drive to take the state ahead.
Mr Cook has secured the backing of main sections of the Labor caucus, and it’ll meet
subsequent week to formalise Mr Cook’s elevation to the state’s high job.
In a press convention on Wednesday afternoon, Mr Cook mentioned he was able to take over, alongside Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has his deputy.
“It is a great honour to put myself forward today to be the 31st Premier of Western Australia,” he advised the press convention.
“It is a particular pleasure to be here alongside my good friend.
“We are ready to lead a united team, with the experience and energy to take our state forward.”
The whirlwind of occasions started on Monday with Premier Mark McGowan’s bombshell announcement that he was resigning, citing exhaustion.
Mr Cook was one of many first to place his hand as much as substitute Mr McGowan, adopted by
Ms Saffioti.
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson additionally joined the fray on Tuesday and gained the help of the 28 United Workers Union-aligned MP forward of Mr Cook.
But she then withdrew simply hours later, when Mr Cook and Ms Saffioti reportedly made a deal that might see Mr Cook as premier and Ms Saffioti as deputy and treasurer.
However, Mr Cook wouldn’t talk about portfolios on Wednesday.
Mr Cook mentioned Labor had a powerful workforce in authorities.
Ms Sanderson had 17 votes from the union to Mr Cook’s 11.
However, Mr Cook had the backing of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union — each unions forming a big portion of WA Labor’s dominant left faction.
He additionally had the help of fellow cupboard member Stephen Dawson.
Mr Cook on Wednesday morning met members of the Labor proper faction within the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association workplace within the Perth CBD.
“The meeting continues, the conversations continue, but I continue to enjoy the endorsement and the confidence of my colleagues,” Mr Cook mentioned briefly to reporters ready outdoors.
“These are just simple conversations between our colleagues to make sure that everyone is comfortable about endorsing me as the leader.”
At the time, Mr McGowan occurred to be throughout the street on the David Malcolm Justice Centre, the place he was thanking Treasury officers.
Mr McGowan prevented reporters; he hasn’t made any public remark since his shock resignation announcement on Monday.
Earlier within the day, Mr Cook was out and about on his morning run in Kings Park.
“Looking forward to the day ahead,” he wrote in a submit to his Facebook web page.
Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas congratulated Mr Cook on his pending elevation to the state’s high job, writing on social media that the news prompted a spherical of applause at Tuesday night time’s City of Perth council assembly.
The news got here after Ms Sanderson confirmed her withdrawal from the management contest late on Tuesday, citing her “interest (in) unity and stability” together with her social gathering as the rationale for her resolution.
“I respect the process, and the views of the entire WA Labor team,” she mentioned.
Mr McGowan introduced his shock resignation on Monday, saying he was “too tired” to proceed within the high job after greater than six years and didn’t have the vitality to contest the 2025 election.
Elected in March 2017, Mr McGowan mentioned the WA premiership had been the “opportunity of a lifetime”, however that he was too “exhausted” to proceed.
“I never imagined I would one day become the premier of Western Australia,” he mentioned on Monday.
“I’ve loved the role … but the truth is I’m tired, extremely tired, in fact I’m exhausted.”
The premier mentioned the “all-consuming” nature of the function, mixed with the Covid years, throughout which the state had among the strictest Covid restrictions within the nation, had “taken it out of (him)”.
“I just don’t have the energy or drive that’s required to continue in the role as premier,” he mentioned.
“This week will be my final week.”
Mr McGowan mentioned whereas he had been contemplating his resolution for some time, he first wanted handy down the state price range earlier in May earlier than saying his resignation.
“The government has a great team and can very very easily replace me,” he mentioned.
Mr Cook was well being minister through the pandemic. The deputy premier now oversees the ministerial portfolios for State Development, Jobs and Trade, Hydrogen Industry, Tourism and Science.
He has been a member of the Legislative Assembly representing the seat of Kwinana since 2008.
Mr Cook was born within the now-affluent Perth suburb of Cottesloe in 1965, and was educated at Swanbourne’s prestigious Scotch College.
He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in public administration from Murdoch University, and a Masters of Business Administration from Curtin University.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
