Mr Barnett was elected unopposed as leader after a party room meeting this morning.

He said yesterday he was "more than willing" to accept the position of leader if his parliamentary colleagues unanimously voted for him today.

But Mr Barnett also indicated he expected to stand for the seat of Cottesloe, which he has held since 1990, throwing into doubt the plans of the Liberals' star recruit.

It follows the resignation of former leader Troy Buswell on Monday, after a turbulent six months in the job.

Mr Barnett had earlier announced he would leave politics at the next State election.

Former Chamber of Commerce and Industry executive director Diedre Willmott was preselected for his seat of Cottesloe.

Her future is still unclear.