Well, few surprises here – Landsdale MP Daniel Pastorelli, a long-time Labor acolyte who has served as chief of staff under both former premier Mark McGowan and current Premier Roger Cook, has been elevated to the role of cabinet minister following a caucus meeting on Friday.
As reported yesterday, Pastorelli was all but set to join cabinet following the resignation of Paul Papalia this week, however which portfolio he ends up with remains to be seen.
Landsdale MP Daniel Pastorelli has officially been appointed as a cabinet minister.9News Perth
Cook unveiled the news at Parliament House this afternoon, noting that while Pastorelli was a first-term MP, his involvement in Labor over the years had bestowed him with a wealth of experience.
McGowan has previously said Pastorelli was a future WA premier, but the new cabinet minister deftly dodged questions on whether Cook could face a challenge.
“The future premier is standing right behind me,” Pastorelli said.
Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna will take on the cabinet secretary role vacated by Pastorelli’s elevation.