Nationals maintain Opposition: Merome Beard new MP for North West Central with 40 per cent of primary votes

The Nationals have maintained its grip on Opposition by coasting to victory in the North West Central by-election, with WA’s newest MP Merome Beard vowing to stand up for the region’s youth crime issues, housing shortages and infrastructure repair needs. The Carnarvon publican claimed the seat on Saturday night, vacated by former MP Vince Catania. The win means Nationals leader Mia Davies will not face a spill for leadership of the Opposition. Ms Beard — who was a hot favourite over Liberal contender Will Baston — is ahead with more than 40 per cent of the primary vote compared to Mr Baston’s 27 per cent. On a two-party preferred basis, it is 60:40 in Ms Beard’s favour with more than 40 per cent of votes counted. The Liberals polled much better in their primary vote compared to the 7.9 per cent it mustered in the 2021 election bloodbath. Greens candidate Niels Glahn-Bertelsen received about 13 percent of the primary vote. In claiming victory, Ms Beard pledged to address local issues and provide strong representation for the region. “Crime, housing, infrastructure, cyclone Seroja recovery, worker accommodation and opening the Fascine. That’s just the start,” she said. Mr Baston accepted the result and wished Ms Beard the best in her new role. He hoped there would be more focus in the region. “It was always going to be a win-lose situation, I was accepting of the result and let everyone know I was thankful for their efforts. I kept the mindset of it is what it is,” he said. “Obviously respecting the result there was a low voter turnout, which is a symptom of the by-election and how it was advertised.” “A 20 per cent swing for the Liberals showed that people do want action in the regions and they do want Liberal in the regions.” Labor’s decision not to contest the by-election, which was triggered by the shock resignation of the long-serving Mr Catania, sucked much of the intrigue out of the contest. That was reflected in a relatively quiet day at Carnarvon’s two polling stations, with voters filing through the booths in a trickle rather than a stream. Mr Catania said Ms Beard would continue to stand up for local issues. “Mem will be a fantastic representative for the North West community,” he said. Ms Beard’s victory ensured the Nationals keep four seats in the Legislative Assembly and retain official Opposition status. The Liberals were hoping to square the ledger at three seats apiece but after last night remain stuck with just two MPs in the Lower House. However, the Nationals and Liberals are in talks of formalising their Opposition alliance into a coalition ahead of the 2025 State election and maximising their resources for the next election. Nationals WA leader Mia Davies said she considered the idea and accepted there was a need for flexibility. “I’m a team player and I’m prepared to do what needs to be done to make sure that we’ve got a better outcome on our side of the ledger for the next election. That’s the focus, because what I’ve seen over the last two years is not tenable for another four (years) after 2025,” she said.