Gutting loss: Kirkup

Zak Kirkup said he knew the risks when he took up the Liberal leadership late last year, and said 2021 would not be the end but a beginning.

Mr Kirkup spoke from his seat of Dawesville District tonight, which he is on track to lose. He committed not to run for political office again after becoming the first leader to lose his seat in WA in decades.

He said he never expected four years ago when he won the seat of Dawesville he would now be opposition leader.

“This is an historic election and one like no other," Mr Kirkup said.

“(WA) have overwhelmingly chosen to elect the McGowan government."

He said the remaining WA Liberal members of parliament will need support now more than ever.

Keeping a check on the government would be difficult but not impossible with a small team, Mr Kirkup said.

Mr Kirkup said the party would lose incredibly good local members of parliament.

“It is a loss that will be difficult to bare," he said.

“2021 is not an end but a beginning.

“Over the next four years (we’re obligated) to do all we can to help rebuild this party."

Mr Kirkup was almost moved to tears thanking his friend, state director Sam Calabrese, for his service to the party.

Speaking on television, former leader Mike Nahan said Mr Kirkup should run again in future, as a talented young person.

But he said Mr Kirkup should never have conceded the election before voting was finished.