Basil Zempilas: Challenge on Libby unnecessary, unhelpful & not my doing

I’m a lot of things. But I’m not an idiot. And I’m a team player. In what universe would I have thought a challenge for the leadership of the Liberal Party from outside the party room was a good idea? The answer — no universe. From the time Joe Spagnolo first asked me the direct question two weeks ago, I have only ever said the same thing: “There will be no challenge from me, 100 per cent”. Repeat, repeat, repeat. There will be no challenge from me and there was no challenge from me. What happened on Tuesday was unnecessary, unhelpful and not of my making and those responsible should have a good hard think about their actions. And no one should ever assume to act on my behalf, without my knowledge, ever again.

There’s always a silver lining, and this week’s unexpected bonus was the fresh serve of free advice dished up from failed minister John Carey. Imagine being the Homelessness and Housing Minister in the middle of a homelessness and housing crisis and devoting any time to anything other than your key portfolios. Mate, focus. And this is the same bloke who on the weekend had his paint brush set out to make political signage to carry at a community parade.

In the middle of one of those breathless, “head is about to explode” rants this week, JC called for my resignation as Lord Mayor. I’ll be right thanks John. But while we’re on the subject of people managing two things at once, how’s Premier Roger Cook’s chief of staff who is also the Labor candidate for Landsdale going?

Brave is a word sometimes too freely dished out to describe someone stepping up and stepping forward. But not in Ariel Bombara’s case. She is the epitome of brave and her speech at the march against domestic and family violence this week was chilling, inspiring and personal. Thank you Ariel.

You’d have thought Woolworths would have learned by now, but apparently not. Wokeworths’ latest foray into a space they don’t belong is the renaming of gingerbread men to gingerbread people. Please.

How much time and effort did Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek spend on the second round of her ill-conceived Nature Positive laws, only to get the plug pulled by the PM at the last moment. What is going on in Canberra?

Australia’s loss in the first Test at Optus is the best thing that could have happened to this summer of cricket. Game on.

According to my wife, the Peters mini drumstick is the perfect ratio of chocolate nuttiness, ice cream and cone with chocolate in the bottom. I think she’s right.

Drone Sky Shows and Cardile Fireworks are in top form and fresh from WA Day they’re teaming up again at Elizabeth Quay on Saturday and Sunday for the City of Perth’s Festive Lights shows. Drones up 8pm.

Survey says: Coke Zero bad. Noted.

Basil Zempilas is Lord Mayor of the City of Perth and the Liberal candidate for Churchlands