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Cook, the state’s current deputy premier, held the lead last night as the Metal Workers Union backed him for the job, with previous frontrunner Amber-Jade Sanderson pulling out of the race for premier.
Saffioti said she would back Cook for premier if she could be his deputy.
Cook and Saffioti confirmed today they will take those positions following Mark McGowan’s shock resignation announcement on Monday.
“It is a great honour to put myself forward today to be the 31st premier of Western Australia,” Cook said.
“It is a particular pleasure to be here alongside my good friend Rita Saffioti.
“Together we are ready to be the next premier and deputy premier of Western Australia.
“We are a united team, who will work hard every day to serve the people of Western Australia.”
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Saffioti defended her decision to back Cook for the job over Sanderson.
“I believe we need a united and stable leadership team,” Saffioti said.
“I think Roger’s experience for the past six years as a senior cabinet minister [and] as deputy premier gives us the stability and the continuation that we needed.”
McGowan will officially step down on Friday following his announcement that he was “too tired” to continue as premier earlier this week.
He had served as the state’s leader since 2017.
