Brendon Grylls has conceded defeat in the seat of Pilbara in the wake of the State election.
State President of The Nationals WA James Hayward thanked Mr Grylls for his leadership and dedication to The Nationals WA, noting his legacy as one of the most pivotal figures in WA’s political history.
“Brendon has never been afraid to get a blood nose in order to get a better deal for regional WA,” Mr Hayward said.
“This election was no different and his political courage and fortitude to take on big interests on behalf of every regional West Australian is something The Nationals WA are immensely proud of.
“Achieving big outcomes, takes equally big risk – and finding representatives that are prepared to put themselves on the line to get better outcomes for the community can be a rarity.
“In the face of strong headwinds, including the most well-resourced negative advertising campaign ever seen in our WA’s political history, Brendon led a strong fight on behalf of regional WA and didn’t back down.”
Mr Hayward said under Mr Grylls leadership, The Nationals forged a new path as an independent political party and took up the fight to ensure regional people have a strong voice in the political debate.
“Brendon will go down in history as the architect of the once-in-a-generation Royalties for Regions policy that has delivered meaningful and transformative change across regional WA,” Mr Hayward said.
“Prior to 2008, regional people were ignored but then Royalties for Regions policy brought them to the table, this was largely due to Brendon’s strength and vision for regional WA.
“I am confident our new Parliamentary team will build on this strong record of achievement to ensure regional WA isn’t left behind under the Labor Government.”
The Parliamentary National Party will meet early next week.
