WA election 2025: Premier and new chief of staff plan major shake up at Dumas House as Cook’s term starts

A bevy of senior advisers to Roger Cook have called time on their years in Dumas House, as the Premier uses the post-election honeymoon to shake-up his staff. The West Australian can reveal staff were told on Tuesday that Mr Cook’s deputy chief-of-staff, Veronica Jeffery, special adviser Kieran Murphy and policy director Dave Coggin were all headed for the exit, as the Premier starts Labor’s third term. Mr Murphy — a veteran Labor adviser to three premiers — joined Premier Mark McGowan’s office in 2018, and had a reputation as a political head kicker. In their place will be two deputies to new chief-of-staff Daniel Smith — long-time Cook advisers Neil Fergus and former 7NEWS Perth producer Ruth O’Toole. Mr Coggin will be replaced by Mr Cook’s current strategic director Luke Clarke — who was part of the key circle of advisers around the Premier during the election campaign. The Premier’s office remained largely unchanged after he succeeded Mark McGowan as Labor leader, with The West Australian understanding the new term was being described as a fresh start in the halls of power. At the end of two terms in government, there are expected to be wider changes across staffing in ministerial offices, not just driven by the Cabinet reshuffle, but as staff opt to work elsewhere. It is understood several chiefs of staff are exploring options, with speculation rife the Premier and Mr Smith are considering bringing in new blood from outside of government.