I'll stand again

Labor Party stalwart and Albany MP Peter Watson has confirmed he will throw his hat into the ring to re-contest the seat of Albany and face election for the fifth time in 2017.

Mr Watson was first elected in 2001 in a surprise end to a 27-year reign by the Liberals.

At the 2013 election, Mr Watson, who serves on the State Opposition's front bench as the shadow minister for sport and recreation, veteran's issues and the Great Southern, defied a Statewide Liberal landside to retain the Albany seat.

He polled with a 2.1 per cent margin in 2013, but with proposed electoral boundary changes released this week, Mr Watson says his margin will halve.

The former post office manager and Olympian said every election he has faced has been tough and the next would "be just as hard to win as the others".

However, Mr Watson said he was up for the challenge.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge, life is full of challenges and I'm lucky I still have these challenges to face in this stage in my life," he said.

"These new boundaries will no doubt make it harder.

"But every election I've faced so far has been tough and this one will be just as hard."

At 68, Mr Watson is one of the oldest members in the shadow cabinet, but he said there was no doubt he could serve a full term.

"I've always kept myself fit all of my life," he said.

"I've got no qualms that I won't give it 100 per cent right through to the end of term if I get re-elected.

"I'm looking forward to the next election and I want to help defeat this Liberal Government."

Mr Watson said in the 14 years since he was first elected, his passion for the job had yet to quaver.

"I wake up every morning and love going to work … it's a privilege to represent the people of Albany and I've never forgotten that," he said.

"When someone comes into my office, they are the most important person in the world and I want to do that as long as I am the Member for Albany."

WA Labor leader Mark McGowan said he was "very pleased" Mr Watson would re-contest the Albany seat.

"It is terrific news as I've discussed this issue with him a number of times," he said.

"I think people have appreciated the hard work Peter has done, his office is always available to assist.

"It's good for Labor to have an electorate that votes based on personality. He is a terrific contributor and has done a fantastic job for Albany and I look forward to him being a minister in the next Labor government."