Ripper, Cook surprise duo to lead Labor

The state Labor Party lived up to expectations today when Eric Ripper won the leadership but caused a big surprise when little-known Roger Cook won the deputy leadership ahead of former education minister Mark McGowan.

Following a two hour caucus meeting this morning, party spokesman Kim Chance said former treasurer Eric Ripper had been elected unopposed and that a vote had taken place for the deputy position.

However he refused to name who else nominated for the position. Earlier Mr McGowan said he would run for the position.

Mr Cook's election has come as a surprise considering he has yet to be sworn into Parliament and just days ago claimed the seat of Kwinana from independent Carol Adams.

Another surprise omission for the leadership and deputy leader position is Victoria Park member Ben Wyatt.

Last month former WA Labor MP and party secretary John Halden claimed Mr Wyatt would be premier in four years' time should Alan Carpenter not serve full term if re-elected.

However there was no mention of Mr Wyatt at today's proceedings.

In his first press conference today, Mr Ripper said Mr Cook, who ran the Perth office of lobbying firm CPR prior to the state election, is well qualified for the deputy leader job.

"Well Roger's been the President of the party, he's been active in politics for 20 years, he's been a community activist, he's got qualifications in public sector management and business management," Mr Ripper said.

"He's very well qualified for the position so let's not assume that the only experience that counts is the experience in Parliament."

When asked whether he had any concerns of bringing a former lobbyist into the deputy role, Mr Ripper said no.

Meanwhile Mr Cook said that despite beating Mr McGowan, both remain good friends.

"Mark is a good friend, a great colleague and someone I worked with very closely in the campaign," Mr Cook said.

"I suspect Mark would be a very strong performer for the ALP and I expect him to play an important role in the Labor party."

Mr Cook also played down the suggestions that his win was a result of Jim McGinty's endorsement.

"It's interesting.. last week I was on Alan Carpenter's team, and the week before that I was probably acknowledged as someone else's team and that's probably what I bring to the deputy role - it's important that Eric has a strong, unified team behind him and I have a lot of strength in that," he said.

"I have a lot of experience, a lot of networks, and a lot of background in working with uh, both the ALP, with the business community and with the public sector. So from that perspective I think Eric and I will make a very strong team."

Meantime, the ABC has reported that Ms Adams has called for a recount in the seat of Kwinana, saying she was unhappy with the way the count has been handled.