Liberal and Country League (Western Australia)

The Liberal and Country League of Western Australia was the major conservative political party in Western Australia from 1949 to 1968. It operated as the state division of the Liberal Party of Australia throughout its existence, forming government from 1947 to 1953, and again from 1959 to 1971.

After the defeat of the Nationalist Party government of James Mitchell at the 1933 election, the Nationalists had fewer seats than the Country Party and so became the junior partner in a conservative coalition opposing the Labor government. That remained the case until 1947.

In 1944-45, the Nationalist Party renamed itself the Liberal Party, adopting the new name chosen by the major conservative party federally and in most other states.

Following 14 years in opposition, the Liberal/Country coalition narrowly defeated the Wise Labor Government at the 1947 election, winning 25 seats to Labor's 23 in the 50 seat Legislative Assembly. The coalition strengthened its majority by gaining the support of Independent MPs Harry Shearn and William Read. With the Liberal Party having won 13 seats and the Country Party 12 seats, the Liberals narrowly became the senior party of the coalition again, and the Liberal leader Ross McLarty became Premier.

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