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‘Clan’ powerbroker back in the fold as Mettam rebuilds frontbench with old parts
Staring down and defeating this week’s leadership coup has been the second notable time that Libby Mettam has shown some gumption in her short leadership of the WA Liberals.
The first time was in her first month as leader in early 2023 when she stripped former shadow attorney general Nick Goiran of his portfolios over his refusal to apologise for his involvement in the The Clan Whatsapp group.
WA Liberals leader Libby Mettam and ‘The Clan’ powerbroker, MLC Nick Goiran.Credit: Peter de Kruijff/Nathan Hondros
Even as she was forced to strip Upper House MP Steve Thomas of his treasury responsibilities for contacting former premier Brian Burke earlier this year she held her ground and did not look to bring Goiran – a very capable parliamentarian – back into the fold.
After this week, however, this may have to change.
Mining and Pastoral MP and then-opposition treasury spokesman Neil Thomson fell on his sword after he moved a motion in the Liberal party room meeting on Tuesday suggesting they establish a dual leadership role that would have allowed Basil Zempilas to become campaign leader.
With less than 100 days until the election the Liberals need to appoint a new treasury spokesman as soon as possible, but the pickings are slim.
Upper house MPs Peter Collier and Donna Faragher and former leader David Honey are not contesting the next election so to leave them in charge of important portfolios would be unwise.
Tjorn Sibma, deputy leader Steve Martin and North West Central MP Merome Beard must all play a role in Mettam’s shadow cabinet.
Thomas is contesting again but must remain in oblivion for a while longer given the embarrassment the Brian Burke saga caused Mettam.
His retention of the important energy portfolio after the Burke stuff-up was indicative of Mettam’s tough situation – she needs bodies on the battlefield.
Enter Goiran.
WAtoday understands Goiran has fallen back in favour with Mettam after the leadership challenge and will return to her frontbench.
Mettam’s office would not be drawn on the speculation only saying her new frontbench would be “forthcoming”.
Goiran did not respond to questions.
As the only lawyer in her team, the obvious choice is for him to return to his shadow attorney general role.
Labor will be waiting to pounce on Goiran’s reentry next week and will dust off all their best Clan zingers.
Let’s hope Mettam has some gumption left in the tank.
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