Brennan rejects MLA rumour

Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan has dismissed rumours of him making a tilt for State Parliament at the next election and has ruled out ever running for State or Federal politics.

This comes after South West MLC Adele Farina made comments suggesting Mr Brennan could be the next Liberal candidate for Bunbury if sitting member John Castrilli retires.

She said she had been told this by senior members of the Liberal Party.

However, Mr Brennan told the South Western Times that having worked as Mr Castrilli’s chief of staff for four and half years, he realised he did not want to take on such a demanding role.

“I know what is involved to be a parliamentarian, ” he said. “I know what is involved to be a Minister. It is extremely demanding.”

He said he only decided to run for Mayor of Bunbury shortly before the election.

“I had no intention of being Mayor, let alone being a State Parliamentarian, ” he said. “However, the good people of Bunbury who wanted change lobbied me intensely to nominate for Mayor.”

He says he would be 66 before the next election and he and his wife want to enjoy the “lifestyle years” of their lives.

He said he would decide if he would re-contest the role of Mayor closer to the next council election.

“So whilst I am honoured and love being Mayor, my public contribution is this — four years or eight years being Mayor, ” he said.

“I will make a decision to renominate or not renominate but I won’t be making that decision until nearer to the end of my first term.”

He said after serving as mayor he might volunteer for not-for-profit groups or regional boards.

Mr Brennan was elected Mayor in November after winning 21 per cent of the 7682 votes.

Cr Michelle Steck finished second and former mayor David Smith finished third.