Maverick Liberal backbencher Rob Johnson says "Emperor" Colin Barnett can't dictate who the party endorses.
Tensions between the WA premier and Mr Johnson have again flared after Mr Barnett told reporters that the former police minister would not be endorsed for the seat of Hillarys in the 2017 state election.
Mr Johnson has been outspoken about his party's failings since he was dumped from cabinet in June 2012 and later denied the role of Speaker.
On Tuesday, he crossed the floor of parliament to vote with Labor in condemning the Barnett government for its secrecy on key election promise projects, including the airport rail.
Mr Johnson also accused the premier of covering up the former treasurer Troy Buswell's February 2014 ministerial car crash, which only came to light two weeks later when a member of the public told the media.
"I used to think you had integrity," Mr Johnson said in parliament.
"Unlike the treasurer, I am not a lackey to the premier."
Mr Barnett told reporters on Wednesday that Mr Johnson should "look in the mirror".
"He got very personal yesterday and I thought that had gone too far," Mr Barnett said.
"I assume Rob will retire at the next election - I don't think he'll be endorsed by the Liberal party given his conduct.
"There will be a new Liberal candidate for Hillarys."
Mr Johnson told 6PR radio it was not up to Mr Barnett to make that decision and it was his intention to stand again as a conservative.
"Once again I think he has earned the title of the Emperor," he said.
"If he thinks he can just dictate anything he wants to, it's up to the Liberal Party.
"I believe Colin Barnett is probably one of the worst Liberal premiers we've had."
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