WA Election: new Perth MLA John Carey says unconventional campaigning paid off

UNCONVENTIONAL campaigning paid off for former City of Vincent mayor John Carey, who is now Labor MLA for Perth.

Mr Carey’s online fundraising tactics last year were inspired by former US president Barack Obama and he transformed himself into popular fictional character Edward Scissorhands for a fundraising Halloween party to gain support from constituents.

It worked, helping him edge out Liberal’s Eleni Evangel with 8629 votes compared to Ms Evangel’s 6013 at Saturday’s election.

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Speaking with the Guardian Express yesterday, Mr Carey said he spent the weekend celebrating the win and resting.

“I celebrated Saturday night late into the night with about 150 of my supporters, then caught up on sleep on Sunday,” he said.

Mr Carey said he was “humbled” by the results and would continue to be himself during his term.

“I am deeply humbled and honoured. I am incredibly proud of the campaign we ran; it was 100 per cent positive, with no negativity against my opponents,” he said.

“I will keep the same values I held as mayor and I will continue to be who I am.”

Mr Carey acknowledged Ms Evangel’s work as Perth MLA over the past four-and-a-half years.

“No doubt we have the same values; we just want Perth to be the best place it can be,” he said.

Mr Carey said the next week would be spent setting up an electoral office.

Ms Evangel, who was a City of Perth councillor for eight years, did not rule out a return to government.

“I believe when one door closes, another opens and I would never say no,” she said.

“I have learned so much in the last 12 years so I would like to put my skills to another cause.”

The self-confessed “people person” congratulated Mr Carey on his win and said it was now time for some “Eleni time” and to have fun with her family.