Small picked for Senate

Ben Small has won a Liberal Party WA preselection to fill the senate casual vacancy created by the resignation of Mathias Cormann, while a challenge to government whip Dean Smith fell desperately short.

Mr Small, who owns a bar in the state's south west ánd works as a production logistics manager at Woodside Petroleum, secured third place on the ticket.

Federal minister Michaelia Cash moved into first spot.

Dean Smith, government whip in the Senate who had been an advocate for GST reform and same sex marriage in the Turnbull government, secured second place.

A challenge to Mr Smith had been rumoured but is understood to have been roundly defeated.

Mr Small, who previously failed to unseat Nola Marino as the Member for Forrest, is believed to have beaten Sherry Sufi for third position by about 15 votes.

Dr Sufi was selected for fourth position, while the fifth spot was unfilled.

Former state government minister Albert Jacob was not selected for a position.