Former WA Liberal Leader Blasts Party's Election Failure
Former WA Liberal leader Mike Nahan has criticized his colleagues for failing to provide a "coherent alternative" ahead of the state election, saying some "didn't get off their bums" to engage with the community.
Nahan, who served as opposition leader for two years after the party's 2017 defeat, believes the Liberals lacked a strong, unifying plan like Labor's Metronet project. He also criticized some upper house MPs for not doing enough to help the party get re-elected.
Nahan's comments come as the Liberals grapple with their third consecutive election loss. Former premier Colin Barnett has called for a merger between the Liberal and National parties, arguing that it is necessary to compete with Labor. However, Bunbury-based upper house MP Steve Thomas disagrees, citing the different histories and agendas of the two parties.
The party's first test of change will come at its first partyroom meeting, where members will elect their new leader. Nahan remains hopeful that the next four years will see greater change within the party.
14 Comments
Karamba
This public blame game only weakens the party further—I expected more maturity from Nahan.
Rotfront
Great to see Mike Nahan showing courage and addressing genuine problems instead of hiding behind excuses.
Matzomaster
Good on Nahan for urging colleagues to actually engage with communities—voters notice who truly cares!
Eugene Alta
Former leaders like Nahan offering strong advice might finally trigger real internal reforms.
Noir Black
Blaming upper house MPs won't address the party's fundamental disconnect with regular voters.
Muchacha
Liberals keep rearranging chairs instead of facing their deep-rooted identity and internal issues.
Bella Ciao
Nahan is absolutely right—no teamwork, no vision, no community outreach equals predictable defeat.
Comandante
Mike Nahan has nailed it—without a clear vision like Labor’s Metronet, you aren't going to win over voters.
Muchacho
Nahan's insights are spot-on; Liberal MPs must reflect deeply on future strategy.
ZmeeLove
Instead of calling out colleagues publicly, Nahan should've dealt with this internally.
Raphael
Finally, someone within the Liberal ranks brave enough to speak honestly about their failures!
Habibi
Typical blame-shifting tactics from Nahan—maybe look in the mirror rather than blaming other MPs!
ArtemK
Election after election, same empty criticism—when will they learn to connect with the community?
Coccinella
A merger deserves real consideration; Colin Barnett and Nahan are brave to suggest bold solutions.