North West Central by-election: Nationals candidate Merome Beard comfortably claims victory

The Nationals have maintained control of the WA Opposition with North West Central candidate Merome Beard claiming a by-election victory in the seat vacated by former member Vince Catania. The win means Nationals leader Mia Davies will not face a spill for leadership of the Opposition. Ms Beard — a Carnarvon publican and unbackable favourite over Liberal contender Will Baston — was comfortably ahead late on Saturday night with nearly 45 per cent of the vote counted. The Nationals had 60 per cent of the two-party preferred vote, on the back of a 40 per cent primary vote count. The Liberal Party had polled about 26 per cent of the primary vote, with Greens candidate Niels Glahn-Bertelsen receiving about 13 percent. Ms Beard pledged to address local issues in her victory speech. “Crime, housing, infrastructure, cyclone Seroja recovery, worker accommodation and opening the Fascine. That’s just the start,” she said. 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. Both Ms Davies and her Liberal counterpart David Honey were in Carnarvon for the day, joining Ms Beard and Mr Baston as they attempted to sway voters. still wavering as they arrived to cast a ballot. Ms Beard’s victory ensured the Nationals keep four seats in the Legislative Assembly and retain official Opposition status. with Ms Mia Davies Opposition Leader. 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. Ms Davies said it was an unusual election with Labor skipping the contest, and there seemed to be “voter fatigue” in the electorate this year. Mr Baston said whatever the outcome, there needed to be a strong voice for housing, health and at-risk youth in electorate. The Liberals recorded a dismal primary vote of just 8 per cent in North West Central at the 2021 election. Mr Honey said the goal coming into the by-election had been to increase that to above 20 per cent “at the very least” with victory difficult given the Nationals had the “inside running” on the seat.