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Nationals pick Hayward for SW

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Nicolette BarbasSouth Western Times
James Hayward
Camera IconJames Hayward

Bunbury city councillor, former journalist and Firey Productions director James Hayward will run for a South West Upper House seat in the 2021 State Election.

Cr Hayward and Manjimup businesswoman Louise Kingston were officially endorsed as The Nationals’ candidates at the party’s State Council event on September 11.

The move came after South West MLC Colin Holt announced he would not seek re-election in 2021.

Mr Hayward’s long history with the political party began in the early 2000s when he worked as a television reporter in Karratha.

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“I saw how much the communities I was working and living in struggled to pay their bills,” he said. “It wasn’t until Brendan Grylls came up with Royalties for Regions that I instantly saw the place transform.

“Eventually I got to know Brendan and his crew and in 2009 I helped them make some television commercials and soon became a member for the Nationals.”

In 2014, Mr Hayward became Nationals WA State president, a role which he held for five years, before becoming deputy president of the Federal National Party.

“I’m looking forward to taking it to the next level,” he said.

“I hope we can bring a focus back on the regions, I want to see development in the South West and focus on big picture projects.

“While I grew up in Perth I’ve worked all my adult life in the regions and there really is no better place to live than regional WA.”

Leader Mia Davies said both candidates brought to The Nationals’ election campaign considerable experience of living and creating opportunities in the South West.

“In James and Louise we have two local champions who understand the communities of the South West and Great Southern,” Ms Davies said.

“Our party is committed to restoring Royalties for Regions and James and Louise will carry that message to electors and show businesses and families how the reinvigorated program can benefit the South West.”

State president Steve Blyth said Mr Hayward and Mrs Kingston were outstanding additions to the Party’s 2021 election campaign team.

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