THE Nationals party has announced Lachlan Hunter as their candidate for the central Wheatbelt electorate in the upcoming 2025 state election.

Announced on February 24, Mr Hunter will replace central Wheatbelt MLA Mia Davies – once the opposition leader – as the seat’s candidate after she stood down from the role at the start of 2023 and signalled her intent to leave politics.

Hailing from Bruce Rock, Mr Hunter said he has worked for both state and federal ministers in government and opposition, alongside spending time at Australia Post and within the grain and live export industry.

“Growing up in the Wheatbelt has given me everything I could hope for, and I have a fire in my belly to stand up for our communities to make sure they continue to be great places to live and work,” Mr Hunter said.

“However, there is still much work to be done and many fights to be had and I look forward to the challenge.”

Previously, Mr Hunter was the former WA Young Nationals president.

Ms Davies said in her remaining twelve months until the next election she will continue to represent her electorate and manage her shadow ministerial portfolios.

“My legacy or accomplishments will be for others to judge,” she said.

“When I sit back after the next election, I’ll be proud that I’ve given my all for nearly 17 years to represent the electorate without fear or favour, standing up for the things I believe in and giving a voice to those that often feel remote or forgotten by government or the parliament.”

Ms Davies said a highlight of her career has been working with the inspirational men and women throughout the region and the many amazing people she has met on along the way.

“What comes after politics will be decided when this job is done,” she said.

The Nationals also announced that current opposition leader member for Moore Shane Love MLA will contest the newly created Mid-west seat, while current Roe MLA Peter Rundle will be re-contesting his seat in the state’s south-east.