Western Australian politics have long been characterised by a consistent rhythm, with Labor and Liberal governments alternating regularly over the past 50 years. This chapter suggests these swings and changes of government reflect fluctuations in economic conditions and in government and party competence rather than ideological or structural shifts. Policy and institutional structures have shown an underlying consistency, dominated by bipartisan support for resource development and for demonstrating the State’s autonomy from the Commonwealth government. The state has not been a notable policy innovator. Two recent developments may have upended the metronomic nature of WA electoral politics, to Labor’s benefit. First, federal legislation in 2018 ensured WA will receive 75 per cent of GST revenues raised in the state. Combined with continuing strong demand for the state’s mineral resources, WA has the strongest fiscal and economic conditions in the country. Second, Premier Mark McGowan’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic led to a virtual wipeout of the Liberal Party at the 2021 election and enabled Labor to reform the Legislative Council’s electoral system. Labor’s subsequent large victory under Premier Roger Cook in March 2025 means Labor now looms as the dominant party of government in WA.