Perth Voice Interactive

“DON’T write off John Carey for the state seat of Perth just yet,” is the message we’re hearing from Labor insiders.

Last week we learned the Vincent mayor had not lodged an expression of interest to nominate as Labor’s candidate for the seat, held by Liberal Eleni Evangel on a slim 2.64 per cent margin.

However, no-one else has nominated either, giving the party more time to woo the popular mayor.

Mr Carey was re-elected mayor in October with more than 80 per cent of the local vote and has built a strong public profile campaigning against forced council mergers and for transparency in government.

With Mark McGowan’s Labor opposition riding high in the polls, he is regarded by party insiders as a good bet to wrest the seat from the Liberals, despite Ms Evangel’s local popularity.

Mr Carey concedes he’s thinking about running but is reluctant to give up the mayoral chains.

“I didn’t put in an expression of interest,” he says.

“It is very difficult because I absolutely love Vincent.

“I’m passionate about all the changes over the past two years and the reform agenda we’ve been running, and there’s still plenty of changes to make.

“But I didn’t want to be rushed, I didn’t want to commit, I wanted more time to think about it.”

He confirms Labor figures have approached him to run and says ratepayers have also urged him to stand. He says as a state MP he can do things for the community he’s unable to achieve as mayor.

“The only frustration I have as mayor is there are some issues that are affecting Vincent that are well beyond our scope,” he says.

“The number one issue I’ve faced over the past two years has all related to cars and traffic: I’m literally out every week talking to residents about this.”

The next state election is scheduled for March 2017. If Mr runs and wins, a mayoral by-election would be needed.

by DAVID BELL