I welcome the Member for North West Central’s decision to join the WA Liberal Party.

Merome is a committed local businesswoman and a strong representative for the North West Central electorate whose values align closely to those of the Liberal Party.

She is a welcome addition to our Liberal Party room whom I know will make a valuable contribution to our team.

The Liberals and the Nationals have a long history of working collaboratively in both Opposition and in Government and I expect that will continue going forward.

In any political alliance, there is always compromise and change and Merome’s decision is not unprecedented.

We have proven we can continue to work together despite past sitting members switching parties and I believe we will continue to work co-operatively to present as a strong alternative to the current out-of-touch Cook Labor Government.

I understand Merome’s decision will inevitably raise questions around the Leader of the Opposition status.

Those discussions are ongoing but the WA Liberal Party remains committed to the Opposition Alliance.

My focus as leader of the WA Liberal Party will continue to be holding the Cook Labor Government to account for its continued mismanagement and failures in health, housing, law and order and escalating cost-of-living pressures.

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