In a culmination of speculation that has kept political circles on edge, Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has officially thrown his hat into the political ring.

The anticipation surrounding his potential candidacy for the Liberals in the upcoming state election has now shifted to the next chapter of his political journey.

Zempilas, a seasoned broadcaster turned mayor, has initiated a 30-day period to join the party, during which objections to his membership can be lodged.

The outcome will determine if he can proceed to nominate for preselection in the seat of Churchlands, setting the stage for a critical phase in his political career.

His entry into politics brings with it a blend of star power and media experience, offering the beleaguered Liberal party a potential resurgence.

Despite controversies that have occasionally overshadowed his public image, Zempilas’s communication skills and name recognition may prove instrumental in revitalising the party’s media performance, a facet that played a role in its setbacks in 2021.

His three-decade-long media presence, spanning TV, radio, and print, coupled with his role as lord mayor since 2020, positions him as a recognisable figure in Western Australia.

While Zempilas has faced criticism for various remarks, his ability to harness attention has also propelled him into battles with the state government on issues such as community pool funding, CBD parking levy expenditure, and arrangements for an overnight women’s shelter.

In 2020, prior to assuming the role of lord mayor, Zempilas faced criticism for using his newspaper column to issue a threat of forcibly removing “disgusting” rough sleepers from city malls, if deemed necessary.

A year later, he encountered backlash from Perth’s trans and LGBTIQ+ community due to comments on his radio show, where he asserted that it was “wrong” for someone to identify with a gender different from their physical anatomy. He later apologised, attributing the lapse to a momentary forgetfulness of his lord mayor status.

As recent as yesterday, Saturday 27 January, another controversy emerged surrounding Zempilas. Comments made before a press conference about a women’s tennis final sparked disagreement, with Zempilas insisting that his remarks were taken out of context.

These conflicts have solidified his political stance, often at odds with the government.

Recent clashes with the government indicate the perceived threat Zempilas poses as a political contender.

The intense reactions from Premier Roger Cook and other ministers underscore the seriousness with which they view the prospect of competing against him.