Weltnachrichten – AU – Liza Harvey announces shock decision to step down as WA opposition leader before the state elections

Liberal MP Liza Harvey says she is stepping down as opposition leader in Western Australia less than four months before the state elections.

« I stand aside to allow the Liberal Party – with a new leadership team – to reset our electoral strategy and give the public a real vote in the March elections, » Harvey said in the statement.

In her statement to colleagues, Ms. Harvey referred to the COVID-19 pandemic and said it had been « extremely difficult for our message to resonate ». .

« I am also standing aside to give our very good candidates the opportunity to be elected as the new generation of Liberal Party members, » she said.

« This decision gives you clean air. They are energetic young men and women who will be strong, hard working members to their communities. « 

Ms. Harvey had undergone an extensive leadership review during the polls, which indicated the party would be in the polls on Jan.. March suffered a heavy loss.

Health spokesman Zak Kirkup, Shadow Treasurer Dean Nalder and Cottesloe MP David Honey are believed to be Ms. Harvey’s most likely successors.

The Bateman MP previously unsuccessfully challenged then Prime Minister Colin Barnett for leadership in 2016, months before the Liberals suffered a severe election loss.

A party conference is to be held on Wednesday to determine the next leader of the Liberal Party.

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Liza Harvey, Liberal Party of Australia (Western Australian Division), opposition leader, resignation