Mark McGowan’s presidential-style popularity is driving Labor’s strategy in the WA election

Since COVID-19 upended political landscapes all over the world, polling has repeatedly shown one thing — Mark McGowan is popular in an unprecedented way.

The WA Premier has set records with his staggeringly high approval ratings — and that looms as a huge weapon for the Labor Party as focus increasingly shifts to the March 13 state election.

And it is becoming increasingly plain just how much Labor intends to attempt to use that popularity for all it is worth, during the campaign.

The evidence so far points to a presidential-style election campaign for Labor, dominated by its leader in a way not seen at any WA election in recent memory — if ever.

Election campaign all about McGowan

Mr McGowan looms as the dominant presence in campaign…