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Nedlands MLA Jonathan Huston has resigned from the WA Liberal party, opting to remain in parliament as an independent.
Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas confirmed he had accepted Huston’s resignation and said he was disappointed he would not continue as the Liberal member for Nedlands.
“I am particularly disappointed for the people of Nedlands, who elected Jonathan as a Liberal,” Zempilas said.
“Jonathan wants to head in a policy direction that does not align with the WA Parliamentary Liberal Party.
“This includes significant increases in mining royalties, which, as Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal team and Leader of the Opposition, I have no intention of pursuing.
“We are united as a team in our efforts to hold this government to account and to put forward a strong and credible alternative policy agenda.
“Jonathan has decided he does not wish to be part of that agenda as a Liberal Member of Parliament and I accept that.”
It is understood the Nedlands MP has decided to continue in his elected role as an independent.
While Huston has not responded to phone calls from this masthead today, his profile has already been erased from the WA Liberal Party’s official website.
As a consequence of his resignation from the Parliamentary Liberal Party, Huston immediately ceases to be a member of the broader state party.
In a statement, Liberal Party WA director Simon Morgan also expressed his disappointment in Huston’s resignation.
“Jonathan Huston relied on the tireless volunteer efforts of loyal WA Liberal Party branch members within and beyond the Nedlands electorate to secure his election to state parliament,” the statement read.
“Those members have every right to feel disappointed and angry today, because instead of returning that loyalty, Mr Huston has chosen to turn his back on them.
“However, the WA Liberal Party is ultimately bigger than any individual. Our parliamentary team will continue working with our branch members in Nedlands and right across the state to fight for local communities that are being ignored by WA Labor.”
Zempilas confirmed the Liberals would contest Nedlands at the next state election.
“The people of Nedlands elected a Liberal Member of Parliament in 2025,” he said.
“The Liberal Party will vigorously contest the seat in 2029.”
In April last year, Huston was given the shadow deregulation; small business; public sector reform and veterans portfolios.
Steve Martin will now take over the small business portfolio, while Neil Thomson picks up public sector and Tjorn Sibma adds veterans to his responsibilities.
The deregulation and public sector reform roles were part of a new-look shadow cabinet set up by the opposition after the March 2025 election.
Huston’s resignation has no impact on the current opposition alliance arrangements, and Zempilas remains the leader of the WA opposition.
More to come.
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