Honey picked for Cottesloe

Alcoa of Australia manager and Kwinana Industries Council president David Honey has been preselected as the Liberal candidate for a by-election in the seat of Cottesloe.

Business News understands Mr Honey picked up about two thirds of the votes in a pre-selection with about 30 delegates last night.

Mr Honey is 59 years old and has had roles at alumina refiner Alcoa for the past two decades.

He was a president of the WA division of the Liberal Party in the 1990s, and achieved a PhD in chemistry.

The by-election follows the resignation of former premier Colin Barnett, and will take place on March 17.

But there is still one more hurdle for Mr Honey, as he will need official endorsement from the party’s governing body, the state council, on the weekend.

Four other candidates nominated, including BHP lawyer Emma Roberts and marketing consultant and owner of Exactus Homes, Sandra Brewer.

Ms Roberts was understood to have finished in second place.

She had reportedly been considered favourite for the preselection, after earning endorsements by federal minister Christian Porter and former Deputy Premier Liza Harvey.