Hillarys MLA Rob Johnson quits Liberal Party

HILLARYS MLA Rob Johnson has resigned from the Liberal Party and will sit as an independent Liberal until the next state election.

Last week, Mr Johnson said in a resignation letter he could “no longer support this government and in particular, a leader who has lost my respect”.

“I have serious concerns in relation to this Government’s commitment to honesty, integrity, openness and accountability,” he wrote.

He raised concerns about the State’s increasing debt, the use of the Road Trauma Trust Account (where money from speed and red light camera fines goes) and the “verbal abuse” he has received from colleagues when speaking out on issues.

“They would prefer me to toe the line and keep quiet but I would be failing in my duty as the Member for Hillarys if I was to do so,” he wrote.

“I look forward to continuing to stand up for what I believe is right and for my constituents as an independent liberal.”

He said he would take his position on the crossbenches immediately and would give serious consideration to running as an independent Liberal at the March election.

Mr Johnson was first elected to Parliament in 1993.

His decision not to nominate for next year’s state election means North Metropolitan MLC Peter Katsambanis and Simon Ehrenfeld will battle for the Liberal seat of Hillarys.

More political news: Labor announce Emily Hamilton as Joondalup candidate.