Liberal Adam Hort claims Kalamunda victory in last seat counted for State election ahead of Zempilas vote

The Liberals have claimed victory in the eastern hills seat of Kalamunda, with Adam Hort narrowly beating Labor’s Karen Beale. The victory — confirmed on Monday after an automatic recount — will see the Liberals take back the mantle of the official Opposition after eclipsing the Nationals’ seat count. After a full distribution of preferences reduced Mr Hort’s lead down to less than 100 votes on Sunday, the WA Electoral Commission order a recount for Monday. But the fresh scrutiny turned up no significant count errors, with Mr Hort winning by a tight 82 vote margin. As the recount progressed, Labor sources privately conceded the loss was likely, with a sign appearing in retired MP Matthew Hughes’ office window on Monday from Ms Beale saying: “well, that is that” with a sad face. Mr Hort — the State Government’s chief pharmacist — is the last MP declared in the 59-seat parliament, with Labor winning 46 seats, the Liberals winning seven and the Nationals six. It means new Churchlands MP Basil Zempilas, who is set to be unanimously backed as new Liberal Party leader on Tuesday, will take on the title of Opposition Leader. Speaking to media on Monday, current Opposition Leader Shane Love said negotiations to share resources would get underway properly after the Liberals’ party room meeting. It came after Mr Love and Mr Zempilas spoke on the weekend. “We were both pretty clear that no matter the result (in Kalamunda) we make sure that we have a good working relationship between himself and myself and between our parties as we head into the new Parliament,” Mr Love said. Losing the Opposition Leader title means Mr Love will cop a $58,000 pay cut, but on Monday he celebrated the Nationals’ efforts in doubling their lower house seats to six.