The first woman in the history of the West Australian Liberal party to become deputy premier has been sworn in by the state's Governor Kerry Sanderson.
Liza Harvey was elected unopposed by her party colleagues on Monday after more than a year of speculation she would be elevated to the role, and officially became WA's second-in-charge on Tuesday.
Ms Harvey says she never expected making it so far in her political career, adding that her two children are very proud of their mother.
The 49-year-old, born in the South West town on Manjimup, ran a fishing tackle store with her late husband Hal in her electorate of Scarborough.
She was elected to parliament in 2008 and promoted to cabinet in 2012.
Ms Harvey replaces Kim Hames, WA's health minister, who late last year announced he would step down from the deputy's role before retiring at the March 2017 election.
Premier Colin Barnett told frontbenchers in 2014 they would have to take a back seat up to a year before the next state poll if they didn't plan to stand again.
Ms Harvey hopes to retain her ministerial portfolios of police, road safety, women's interests, training and workplace development but says she'll need to discuss that with Mr Barnett.
Share
