Former West Australian premier Colin Barnett should honour his achievements and allow his career to "die with dignity", senior Labor minister Alannah MacTiernan says.
Ms MacTiernan said after a very solid career Mr Barnett had "decided to do a Tony Abbott" by accusing his Liberal cabinet colleagues of lacking horsepower, prompting Opposition Leader Mike Nahan last week to call for his retirement.
"I think that sometimes in political life you should die with dignity," Ms MacTiernan told reporters on Monday.
Shadow Health Minister Bill Marmion said the former premier was not part of the core opposition team, but the people of Cottesloe had voted for him so it was up to Mr Barnett to decide when to retire.
"I wouldn't be upset if he saw out his full term. I understand the media speculation and that some people might be queuing up to take his seat," Mr Marmion told reporters.
"That's his call, it's not my call."
Mr Barnett became a backbencher after the Liberal party lost the March election but has continued to draw attention to himself by publicly commenting on aspects of his legacy.
"Some people get over things in about one second, some take a lot longer. But certainly if you lose the premiership of Western Australia ... I mean, that's a big thing," Mr Marmion said.
But Mr Marmion insisted he had found Mr Barnett to be happier and more relaxed since the crushing election defeat.
Mr Barnett has repeatedly said he will decide his future at the end of the year.
He has also indicated he may write his memoirs based on diary notes from his time as premier.
Ms MacTiernan quipped she would wait for the edited highlights.
