Labor strongholds target for new Independent wave with former mayor Renée McLennan

A new Independent wave is aiming to upset the State election but, so far, they have nothing to do with the Climate-200 funded teals and their target is Labor. Former mayor Renée McLennan has announced she’ll be a candidate for Bassendean, joining local retailer Kate Hulett in Fremantle and City of Swan councillor Sarah Howlett in Midland in a bid to unseat Labor MPs. Ms McLennan said residents in safe Labor seats feel neglected by a Cook State Government that has enjoyed a massive majority in Parliament, since the McGowan-era 2021 election landslide. “The major parties aren’t compelled to take our local priorities into account,” she said. “We need a genuine alternative that is loyal to our community, not to a big political party. One that puts people and the planet first, stands up for our local shared values and is serious about tackling our biggest issues with integrity.” Premier Roger Cook rejected the suggestion safe Labor seats have been neglected. “I think people in WA know that we are listening to the community on all these issues,” he said. “But I welcome candidates to the democratic process, that’s an important part of what we do in WA.” Former Water Minister Dave Kelly retained the seat of Bassendean with a huge 31 per cent margin in 2021 and is standing for re-election, despite being pushed out of cabinet. “I have never taken the electorate of Bassendean for granted. People know me as someone who works hard every day for my community,” he said. “The electorate of Bassendean has seen significant investment wit the new Ellenbrook line delivering three new stations servicing the electorate... I was the Minister who ended logging in our native forests. It’s about results not talk, and my advocacy and environmental credentials are testament to that.” His successor as Water Minister, Simone McGurk, has a 23 per cent margin in Fremantle where she is being challenged by local artist and retailer Ms Hulett. Labor’s margin was 25 per cent in Midland, where former CFMEU organiser Steve Catania is the party’s candidate to replace retiring Speaker Michelle Roberts. But Cr Howlett is aiming to cause an upset. She said the new trio of independents are co-ordinating. “We’ve been in communication. There’s a revolution of women putting their hands up to take charge of community-led politics,” she said. “I’m backed by the community, I’ve consulted, I’ve hit the ground.” There’s no link to the teal-style candidates running in Perth’s western suburbs, where the Liberal Party is aiming to launch a major comeback four years after the shock loss of traditionally blue-ribbon seats. Simon Holmes a Court’s Climate-200 has made $20,000 donations to candidates in Nedlands, Churchlands and Cottesloe and hasn’t ruled out funding more independents. “Climate 200 is aware of the Fremantle campaign,” a spokesman said. “If Kate Hulett seeks Climate 200’s support her campaign will go through the same process as every other campaign.”