The Premier of Western Australia, Richard Court, has confirmed rumours over the past few days that a State election will be held on Saturday 10 February.
The coalition government led by Court was first elected in 1993, increasing its majority in 1996. The coalition secured 35 seats (Liberal 29, National 6) in 1996, compared to 19 seats for the ALP. There are three Independents.
The ALP, therefore, needs to win 10 seats to form government. One Labor member, Larry Graham, lost preselection for his safe seat of Pilbara and may win the seat as an Independent, increasing the ALP’s target to 11.