The WA Nationals have split from tradition and are set to form a party branch within the Perth metropolitan area, threatening to split the Liberal/National vote in half.

The historically region-based party will open an electorate office in the electorate of Bateman with the aim of installing city-based candidates in State Parliament for the very first time.

Nationals WA and State Opposition Leader Shane Love told Gary Adshead on 6PR Mornings the large WA contingent fed up with a lack of regional representation would now take out their frustrations directly.

“We need to make a statement to the three quarters of the population who live in Perth, as well as those that live in the regions, that the Nationals are a sensible choice of people with common sense who have at their heart the interests of the state,” Mr Love said.

Press PLAY to hear more on the National’s political plans

While in Tokyo, Premier Roger Cook lambasted the news, arguing the Liberal-National Coalition had long been in trouble.

“This is just another example of the mess the Coalition are in,” Mr Cook said.

“You’re going to see more conflict coming in as the Nationals and the Liberals duke it out for seats at the next election.

“They can’t even agree on who should be Leader of the Opposition.”

Press PLAY to hear Premier Roger Cook’s full response to the news of the Nationals’ grab for city seats