WA Liberal leader Libby Mettam has called for internal detractors to “put up or shut up” following a campaign to pressure her out and make way for Perth Lord Mayor and media personality Basil Zempilas.
Ms Mettam, the Liberal leader since January 2023, has labelled leaked polling on the front page of the state’s only daily newspaper, The West Australian, as “flawed and clearly biased”.
She said she was shown the polling two weeks ago.
The ABC understands it was presented to her by a Liberal candidate.
“The polling was not conducted by the Liberal Party,” she said in a statement released early Tuesday morning.
“It’s the same polling that’s being whispered in the ears of some Liberal MPs and candidates to unsettle, undermine, and destabilise my team.
“When showed this polling, 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.
“I was told I should step aside quickly if I wanted to avoid the polling being provided to the media to further damage me and the Liberal Party.”
The ABC has been told the polling conducted by Sodali & Co was funded by “private business people”.
Some MPs behind Basil Zempilas
Mr Zempilas, an employee of Seven West Media, is the Liberal candidate for Churchlands but is not a member of parliament.
Members who have been agitating for him to lead the party to the March 2025 state election have pointed to the 2011 case of Campbell Newman in Queensland, who was parachuted in to lead the LNP from outside state parliament, as an example of how Mr Zempilas could do the same.
Basil Zempilas (right) says he will not challenge Ms Mettam for the Liberal leadership. (ABC News: Cason Ho)
Mr Zempilas has repeatedly ruled out challenging Ms Mettam for the leadership but has not gone as far as ruling out becoming leader before the election.
The Liberals were virtually wiped out at the 2021 state election, left with just two lower house seats, and some Liberal MPs believe having Mr Zempilas as leader would improve their chances at the March poll.
Ms Mettam said she would provide an opportunity for any of her colleagues to move a motion of no confidence in her at Tuesday morning’s 9.15am party room meeting.
“I’m not resigning,” she said.
“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.”
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