Libby Mettam says she is not a ‘quitter’ and will put leadership on the line at Liberal partyroom meeting

Libby Mettam will put her leadership on the line at a partyroom meeting in State Parliament on Tuesday, after opinion polling described as “catastrophic” ramped up pressure over her performance. The poll revealed by The West Australian tested 14 key seats and warned the Liberal primary vote has gone backwards since the 2021 election disaster. Ms Mettam has rejected the poll as “flawed and clearly biased” and vowed to stare down her doubters. “I’m not a quitter, I’m a fighter,” she said. “I’m not resigning. I am however prepared to have my leadership tested and this issue resolved. I believe that this is the only way we can move forward. “It’s time for those few that continue to agitate to put up or shut up.” The poll of 1092 predicted a 4 per cent drop would put the Liberal primary vote at a disastrous 31 per cent even in previously blue-ribbon seats like Churchlands and Nedlands that are considered must-wins for the Opposition to have any hope of victory in 2029. Labor would be re-elected with 57 per cent of the two-party preferred vote, and retain an overwhelming majority. The result changed to a 3 per cent swing towards the Liberal party and a 38 per cent primary vote, under an immediate leadership switch to Liberal candidate and Perth Lord mayor Basil Zempilas. “While this polling was designed and conducted by others to benefit Basil Zempilas, I welcome and thank Basil for publicly making his support for me clear,” Ms Mettam said. “No doubt Basil understands the damage this ongoing speculation is having on the Liberal party, myself and indeed himself.” The research, by Sodali and Co, was not sanctioned by party headquarters but was funded by a Perth business investor, who told The West Australian it was handed to a Liberal candidate almost three weeks ago and has been provided to Ms Mettam. The businessman said he has no links to Mr Zempilas and commissioned the research independently out of concern for the quality of debate and ensuring the “best possible Opposition” to restore Parliament to a “competitive field”. He said the results speak for themselves. “I’m seeking the best outcomes for all West Australians,” he said. Ms Mettam has dug in amid leadership speculation over the past fortnight and refused to respond to questions about “hypothetical” polling, but on Tuesday she confirmed she was provided the results two weeks ago. “I was told the desire of those who commissioned it was that I walk away from the Liberal leadership so Basil Zempilas could become leader for the final stretch to the election,” she said. “I was told I should step aside quickly to avoid the polling being provided to the media to further damage me and the Liberal party... “Rather than hide like gutless little cowards in the shadow they should show some strength of character and be transparent as clearly their intentions are.”