Roger Cook has been endorsed by Labor as WA's next state premier, after he secured the backing of a key party faction, and has laid out his vision for the future of the state.
Speaking at a press conference, Mr Cook was joined by Rita Saffioti, who looks set to be his deputy premier after the sudden departure of Mark McGowan, who announced his retirement on Monday.
Mr Cook and Ms Saffioti's appointments will need to be ratified by the Labor caucus, with Mr McGowan expected to stand down by the end of the week.
"Together we are ready to be the next premier and deputy premier of Western Australia," Mr Cook said.
"We are a united team who will work hard every day to serve the people of Western Australia.
"I'm ready to lead. I'm ready to be premier."
Emphasising his close ties to Mr McGowan, Mr Cook was at pains to stress continuity as he outlined his ideas for his government.
"We've worked hard as a government under Mark McGowan to make WA the best state in Australia," he said.
"We've been a stable government with strong budget management.
"Under our leadership we will continue this journey."
He also highlighted the importance of social justice.
"I've said many times that the measure of any society is how it treats its most disadvantaged and defenceless,” he said.
“Economic prosperity must be harnessed to benefit all.”
'Strength, energy and passion'
Mr Cook said he would lead the state with humility.
“I'm born and bred West Australian," he said.
"I've devoted my life to serving this state.
“It is an ambition I approach with humility, but also with strength, energy and passion."
Ms Saffioti also pointed to her childhood during the press conference.
"I can assure you, as a daughter of Italian migrant parents who grew up on an orchard in Roleystone, the prospect of becoming the deputy premier of Western Australia is not something I thought was possible," she said.
Mr Cook did not confirm whether Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson – who was another candidate for premier before she bowed out -- will keep her current health portfolio.
"I think she will continue to be a senior minister in our government," he said.
"But we're not talking about portfolios today."
Mr Cook also did not reveal who will get the sought-after treasurer role.
Ms Saffioti said the pair would “respect the process” as they waited for their appointment to be rubber-stamped by caucus.
“What our state needs now is stable and united leadership,” she said.
Renewables, jobs highlighted
Mr Cook credited his role as the member for Kwinana for keeping him "grounded every day".
"My 40 kilometre drive to work from Kwinana is also like a window into the future of Western Australia," he said.
"The economic transition happening on the strip is at the epicentre of WA's shift to renewable energy.
"I want this transition to renewable energy to be good for the environment but also to be good for the economy and WA jobs."
Mr Cook said his government would focus on easing cost-of living pressures, health, housing and job opportunities and would "fight tooth and nail" to keep WA's share of GST royalties.
When asked if he would take a different approach to Mr McGowan in relation to the juvenile justice system, Mr Cook said he had his "own ideas".
However, he echoed Mr McGowan's list of priorities when it came to the Banksia Hill Detention Centre.
"I think the leadership that premier McGowan provided in relation to Banksia Hill was absolutely spot on," he said.
"And we will continue to ensure we commit to those priorities.
"Our first priority is to keep the people of Western Australia safe.
"Our second priority is to look after those who have the tough job of looking after the facility.
"Our third priority is to make sure that those kids who find themselves in Banksia Hill have an opportunity to get themselves on a better pathway."
'You will see some bloodletting'
WA Opposition Leader Shane Love said the new team faces a litany of issues, and will be at risk of factional infighting in the coming days and weeks.
"They will face a [health system] which is under enormous pressure, a housing situation which is getting worse all the time, shortages of labour," Mr Love said.
"The Perth Mint ... is embroiled in controversy.
"The cost of living is something that's on the lips of every West Australian at the moment.
"There's no time for congratulations, they need to get down to work but we'll be holding them to account every step of the way."
Mr Love said there was a risk conflict could become a problem for the new leadership team.
"You imagine that factional infighting will get worse now that you've got a person from one particular side who's in the chair," Mr Love said.
"I think you will see some bloodletting in the coming days and that will become something of a distraction for the government."
