West Australian Opposition Leader Mike Nahan insists he'll lead the Liberals to the next state election and says he has the overwhelming support of his colleagues, rejecting reports confidence in him is wavering.
The state's only major daily newspaper, The West Australian, has for two days straight run front page stories criticising the former treasurer over comments he made at a state Liberal party conference on Sunday.
Dr Nahan said mainstream media were not as influential as they once were, and voters had to be reached via social media and "shoe leather" campaigning.
He pointed to the recent Darling Range by-election, which the opposition won.
The newspaper has cited Liberal sources as saying they believe Dr Nahan's position is untenable.
But after a party room meeting on Tuesday, Dr Nahan said: "There was no challenge. I enjoy the overwhelming support of my colleagues."
He said his job was difficult but the party was doing better than expected after suffering the biggest defeat in its history at the 2017 state election.
"My colleagues support me thoroughly and I intend to continue on and bring the party to the campaign and to the election in 2020," he told reporters.
Dr Nahan said it was disappointing his comments were interpreted as an attack on the mainstream media, which was not his intention.
"There has been an overreaction," he said.
Deputy Opposition Leader Liza Harvey told 6PR radio Dr Nahan's remarks were somewhat clumsy but he had been misconstrued.
"A couple of disgruntled members who like to stir the pot might be complaining but no one has been complaining to me", she said.
The West was further angered when Ms Harvey referred to the newspaper as the "daily rag".
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