The Channel 7 media personality says he believes now is the time to go for the WA capital’s top office, with elections due to be held in October.
Zempilas used his breakfast radio slot to confirm that he will be running for lord mayor of the City of Perth, with the delayed mayoral election providing the opportunity for him to do so.
“I’ve always said I know I have the passion but I haven’t been sure I have the time,” he said.
“I’m still not certain I do — and I’ve only had the briefest of conversations with my employers — but the extra delay of fresh elections does now open the door.
“If the election were prior to the Tokyo Olympics — I’m doing opening and closing ceremony and calling the swimming for Seven — I was no chance. But with the election likely to be late October at the earliest, the door has opened.”
Perth’s council elections are not expected to be held until late this year due to delays with the inquiry into dysfunction at the council.
Zempilas, who is employed by Seven West Media, said if he could make it work with his existing commitments, “I’m up for the fight”.
“I live in the city, work in the city and walk through the city every day and I, like all West Aussies, expect our capital to be safer, cleaner, cheaper, more accessible, more vibrant and friendlier,” he said.
Basil Zempilas has worked on sport broadcasts and as a co-host of Sunrise, and currently co-hosts Perth radio station 6PR’s breakfast program with Steve Mills.
