The beleaguered WA Liberal Party’s state president has resigned just 13 months into the role, amid a battle to reform the party following its comprehensive drubbing in the 2021 state election.
In an email to party members, Liberals WA Senior Vice President Caroline Di Russo said Richard Wilson had been at the “forefront” of the party’s reform journey.
Ms Di Russo said Mr Wilson ushered in changes to the preselection process so every member in an electorate can vote.
Previously the party would only allow preselection committees to recommend a candidate to the state council.
“The Liberal Party's State Management Executive is resolutely committed to continuing the reform journey that Richard has so ably started,” Ms Di Russo said.
“All change is difficult, and so it is no surprise that the extensive and comprehensive process of consultation that delivered reform had its detractors.
“The Party overwhelmingly recognises the need to continue changing and improving to be a competitive alternative at the next State and Federal Elections. Western Australians deserve no less from us.”
WA Liberal Party leader Dr David Honey acknowledged the “tremendous" work done by Mr Wilson.
“The constitutional and other party reforms that have occurred over the past 12 months have been a major step forward in the rebuilding of our party,” Dr Honey said.
WA Liberals trying to regain lost ground
The party holds just two seats in Western Australia’s Lower House, following the election wipe-out that left the Labor Party, led by highly popular Premier Mark McGowan, in control of both houses.
The Liberals have been on the back foot since damaging text exchanges from a faction known as “The Clan” were leaked to the media.
The texts included reference to a female party member seeking preselection having a “squeaky voice” and calling her a “toxic cow”.
A scathing internal review that followed the 2021 electoral bloodbath accused powerbrokers in this group of “odious behaviour” and found the party was in disarray and needed urgent reform.
Liberal Party MLC Steve Thomas said it was sad to lose Mr Wilson as state president but that reform of the party would continue.
“I’m sorry that Richard won’t be there to see that come to fruition, but the steps that he’s taken are to be embraced and endorsed,” Mr Thomas said.
“This reform process will be a long and slow one and Richard should be congratulated for kicking it off.
“I hope to continue that and I am sure others do too.”
Another influential Liberal party member said he believed until the party took on The Clan, no progress could be made.
Ms Di Russo will take over as president until early 2023 when a new election could take place.
