Former Geraldton Mayor reveals he’s keen to give State politics a go after election loss

Geraldton identity and former mayor Shane Van Styn is keeping the door open for a tilt at State politics. It has only been a little over a month since Mr Van Styn lost his bid for a third mayoral term, when he was narrowly defeated by Jerry Clune on preferences, but the colourful figure is already considering his next political move. Mr Van Styn revealed he has had informal discussions about giving State politics a go after receiving encouragement from people in the community. “After losing the mayoral election, a lot of people have come to me and said ‘now it frees you up to have a shot at the seat of Geraldton’,” he said. “I’ve had discussions with a range of people but it’s all just theoretical.” The former amateur boxer and cage fighter unsuccessfully ran for the electorate of Durack for the Nationals at the 2013 Federal election, but said he was considering all options. “I’m not a member of any political party at the moment, historically I’ve been a member of both the Liberal and the National Party, but I’ve only ever run for the Nationals,” Mr Van Styn said. “It may come to pass that an opportunity will present itself to run as an independent but for now that’s just conversations.” Opposition Leader Shane Love wouldn’t disclose if the Nationals would be keen to preselect Mr Van Styn, who he agreed was a “prominent local voice for Geraldton”. Mr Van Styn served as Greater Geraldton mayor for eight years and was on the council for 12 years. Geraldton Labor MLA Lara Dalton said she wasn’t focused on Mr Van Styn’s interest in politics, rather delivering for Geraldton and the community. “The next State election is in March 2025. In the lead-up to this, candidates from other political parties or independents will emerge,” she said. “I’m really proud to represent Geraldton and I’m focused on getting on with the job.”