Ex-Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn confirms membership with Nationals WA, but future remains undecided

Former City of Greater Geraldton mayor Shane Van Styn has just over a month to decide if he wants to put his hand up for State politics, having not yet applied for preselection with the Nationals WA. But Mr Van Styn has confirmed he has officially joined the Nationals WA as a member, but does not know yet if he will nominate for preselection. With only a few weeks to go until the party’s preselection deadline, the Geraldton identity has not ruled the idea out. On Friday, Mr Van Styn said he had not lodged an application because he was prioritising looking for a new job over starting a career in politics. “I appreciate if I get a job I’ll need to give that more focus rather than campaign for 2025,” he said. “Right now I’m just seeing where life takes me.” The Nationals WA have called for passionate local champions who understand their communities to consider nominating for preselection. In November, Mr Van Styn revealed he was keeping the door open for a tilt at State politics after he was narrowly defeated on preferences by his deputy Jerry Clune at the October local government election. He previously confirmed he was having informal discussions about the role after being encouraged by people in the community. Nominations for Nationals WA preselection for the Geraldton seat close on Sunday, February 18.