Former Warren-Blackwood candidate puts hand up for Legislative Council tilt

Kendenup local Marie O’Dea has nominated for one of the Liberals’ Legislative Council South West spots. As nominations closed on Wednesday the 2021 Warren-Blackwood Liberal candidate was one of seven candidates for six spots. Ms O’Dea was unsuccessful in her bid for the previously safe Nationals seat and failed to make it to the top two candidates, with the seat ultimately falling to Labor in a shock result. It is likely that out of the final list of six, three will be likely to make it into the Legislative Council while the other three will face a difficult road to election. Steve Thomas, the incumbent MLC and shadow treasurer, will be looking for his third term in the Legislative Council. Two Bunbury councillors have also nominated with Cr Gabi Ghasseb and Cr Michelle Steck throwing their hats in the ring. Another local government member looking to make the step up into State politics is Harvey Shire councillor Michelle Boylan, who is making her second run in as many elections for a spot in Parliament. Despite running for the Liberal ticket spot, the candidates will still be able to sit on their councils and will only have to resign if they are elected. Cr Boylan unsuccessfully challenged Robyn Clarke’s seat of Murray-Wellington in 2021. The final two candidates are party newcomer Xavier Garbin as well as Nigel Irvine, a relative unknown among Liberals.