'It’s going to be a real challenge': Roger Cook poised to become WA premier - Video

The Australian’s Perth Reporter Paul Garvey says many people didn’t see WA Deputy Premier Roger Cook as having the “killer instinct to do the hard yards” to get to the leadership level.

Mr Cook has served as deputy premier to Mark McGowan for the past six years and is set to be confirmed as the state’s next leader in a caucus meeting next Tuesday after Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson ended her leadership campaign.

“It’s going to be a real challenge for Roger from here because he now has to lead with some very disgruntled union backers,” Mr Garvey told Sky News Australia.

“It’s going to be a real challenge for him to keep that party united to the same degree that Mark McGowan managed so well over his time in charge.”