Roger Cook, the Deputy Premier of Western Australia, is all set to become the State’s next Premier after health minister Jade Sanderson withdraws from his position. Cook got prominent support from Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, which also supported Rita Saffioti as the next deputy premier.
Sanderson, who has United Workers Union support, pulled out despite having the support of MPs aligned with the union. Cook plays smartly and announces his partnership with Transport Minister Rita Saffioti, with Saffioti serving as Cook’s deputy.
Cook took one step further for the top job shortly after the outgoing Premier Mark McGowan announced his retirement due to exhaustion. Roger Cook is the sole candidate for leadership after Jade Sanderson’s withdrawal. Sanderson stated that she withdrew in the interest of party unity and looked forward to working with Cook as the new leader of WA Labor.
Cook is well known for serving during COVID-19 as a Health Minister and has been a parliament member since 2008. He currently holds various portfolios in addition to his position as deputy premier. Mark McGowan’s resignation leads to the cabinet reshuffle and a by-election for his seat.
The opposition leader and WA Nationals leader, Shane Love, suggested that McGowan’s final departure and his popularity would come at a cost to the WA Labor party. However, Labor PMs and many political analysts denied the news by stating that there is no hurdle in the party’s chances of winning the next state election in 2025.
