Libby to challenge for Liberal leadership

Libby Mettam has confirmed she will challenge David Honey to lead the WA Liberal Party.

The Vasse MP's move came just hours after Mia Davies resigned as opposition leader and as the state's top National.

The nine parliamentary Liberals are expected to meet within days to resolve the leadership battle, after Ms Mettam announced her bid to colleagues.

Photographer: David Henry

David Honey has led the party since a devastating election defeat by Mark McGowan's ascendent Labor Party in March last year.

But the size of the defeat has meant Dr Honey could not officially act as opposition leader, with the former Alcoa executive and Member for Cottesloe left holding portfolios in shadow cabinet including energy.

Read more: David Honey's story

Ms Mettam was shadow minister for health in the alliance opposition, where she has prosecuted the case against ambulance ramping and overcrowding in hospitals.

If Ms Mettam wins the support of a majority of colleagues, it would make her the second woman to lead the WA Liberal Party, following Liza Harvey.