War of words over Perth's City of Light branding after criticism in WA Parliament

Basil Zempilas has vigorously defended the City of Perth's decision to rebrand the state capital. (ABC News: Hugh Sando)

Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has defended the City of Perth council's move to rebrand as the "City of Light" following scathing comments about the decision by a Labor MP in state parliament.

The council, which covers 20 square kilometres of central Perth, launched a rebranding campaign last year dubbing Perth the City of Light, and recently sent out a survey about the campaign to residents and ratepayers.