Long campaign ahead for North West Central as Vince Catania not resigning until August

As the by-election for North West Central is heating up, one question on everyone’s mind is when election day will be.

While Vince Catania announced his shock intention to retire last month he is yet to officially hand his formal resignation to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

Without this, the process of holding an election cannot begin, leading to a potentially long and drawn out election campaign for the region.

Mr Catania said it had always been his intention to formally resign during the first week of August.

“With the Legislative Assembly not sitting during the month of July I didn’t want to leave the region without a member over that period,” he said.

“By waiting until Parliament is set to return in August it will allow for me to get everything in order for a smoother transition of power.

“In the meantime, I will continue to work for the people of this region.”

Based on previous by-elections the election day will take place four to five weeks after Mr Catania’s official resignation meaning people will not go to the polls until at least early September.

While the seat was marginal in the last election the Nationals are heavily favoured to hold on to the seat against recently announced Liberal candidate Will Baston.

Labor has not revealed its intention to endorse a candidate.