David Honey: Former Liberal Leader’s last day in WA Parliament

Outgoing Liberal MP David Honey declared he has “given it my all” on the last day of State Parliament for 2024, as he corrected his “chihuahua” mispronunciation that went viral and reflected on politics.

The former Liberal Leader said his future plans are undecided beyond more time with family and at Cottesloe beach, six years after he won a by-election to replace former Premier Colin Barnett.

“Last day of school for me, it’s like leavers,” he joked.

“It is tough in a sense. We are such a small team, and we all carry a really huge workload. You’re always in the thick of it, which keeps you engaged and invigorated.

“Parliament is really, really important for the whole State; it ultimately defines the society we live in... I’ve taken it really seriously, I’ve given it my all, and I’ll be giving it my all until 7 March next year.”

Mr Honey said he was “proud” of the Opposition team against overwhelming numbers in the Legislative Assembly but had few future plans after losing Liberal pre-selection.

“I hope I’ll be doing something really interesting; I’ve got 30 years of accumulated lack of maintenance on my house, so that’s going to be top of the list,” he said.

He also proved he could pronounce “chihuahua” after a tongue-tied moment in Parliament in August 2021, which gained national attention.

“I did recognise the Chihuahua Dog Rescue Association who came to visit my office,” he said.

“They’re a great bunch of people, and they were cute dogs.”