WA Nationals win key regional seats in election

Western Australia's recent state election has seen the National Party gain significant victories in regional areas. Counting is still ongoing for the Albany, Warren-Blackwood, and Pilbara seats, two weeks after the March 8 election. In Albany, National candidate Scott Leary has successfully won the seat, which had been held by the Labor Party for 21 years. Leary's victory comes after he was initially a Liberal candidate in 2021 but lost preselection to Tom Brough. This year, he switched to the Nationals and received strong community support, earning 56.3% of the final vote against Labor's Rebecca Stephens. In Warren-Blackwood, Bevan Eatts also claimed victory, ousting the incumbent Labor MP Jane Kelsbie. The swing against Kelsbie was smaller, at around 5%. Eatts said this win reflects the Nationals' commitment to engaging with local communities. Meanwhile, Labor MP Kevin Michel retained his seat in the Pilbara, though with a decreased margin. He acknowledged the close results, winning by just 207 votes. Michel expressed gratitude for the community's support and emphasized his commitment to serving them. The success of the Nationals in these seats has propelled them to a total of six seats in the state, matching the Liberal Party's count. The election results highlight changing dynamics in Western Australia's regional politics.