Western Australia's Deputy Premier, Rita Saffioti, has deftly handled questions about her future leadership ambitions, affirming her support for Premier Roger Cook while acknowledging her own drive in a press conference that highlighted the dynamics within the Labor government.
Ambition and Allegiance in Maddington
During a joint media appearance with fellow minister Amber-Jade Sanderson in Maddington on Thursday, Ms Saffioti was pressed on whether she still harboured desires for the top job. Both women had previously contested the leadership following Mark McGowan's unexpected resignation in 2023.
With characteristic humour, the Treasurer deflected the immediate question. "I've got a lot of ambition. I want the Dockers to win a Grand Final. I want my kids to win their six-a-side finals," she joked. She quickly turned serious, however, to offer a robust endorsement of the current Premier.
"Look, the Premier is doing a great job, he's doing a great job," Ms Saffioti stated. "We were just elected six months ago, incredible election victory. He has a very united team, and I think we all like working and delivering."
Cook's Commitment and a Fatalist's Focus
Despite her clear backing, the Deputy Premier stopped short of completely ruling out a future tilt for the leadership. She revealed a personal philosophy that keeps her concentrated on the present.
"I don't think too far into the future. I'm a bit of a fatalist, so each day I just look at what I need to do and get it done," Ms Saffioti explained. "I'm worrying about organising myself for tonight and tomorrow, let alone 2030."
This political positioning comes after a week of speculation triggered by the Premier himself. At a business event last week, Mr Cook initially left the door open to an early exit when queried about leading the party in 2029, remarking that it was a question for his caucus.
Premier Cook Locks In His Leadership Pledge
That ambiguity was firmly put to rest during the WA Labor State Conference on Sunday. In a decisive speech, the Premier made an unequivocal commitment to his party and the state.
"Each of you today has my word ... that I will be leading this great party of ours to the 2029 WA State election," Mr Cook declared. "I will lead this brilliant team of talented ministers and Labor MPs to the election that will determine which party sees this great State through to the next decade."
This public pledge, coupled with Ms Saffioti's supportive comments, projects an image of a stable and unified government focused on governance, even as the undercurrents of future succession plans remain a topic of keen political observation.
