Cricket News, Justin Langer WA Liberal leader’s offer, former Australia manager dismisses rumor
Axed coach Justin Langer has reportedly received a ‘bombshell’ offer to enter politics. He responded to the rumours.
Underrated Australian cricket manager Justin Langer has reportedly dismissed rumors he has been approached with a bid to lead the Liberal Party of Western Australia.
The 51-year-old resigned as manager of the Australian men’s team in February after rejecting a symbolic six-month contract extension following a mutiny by his players.
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Langer said recently that he has been focused on writing his memoir and has yet to announce his next project following his departure from Cricket Australia.
He has been linked with the vacant Hobart Hurricanes Big Bash franchise head coach position and would have been in contention for the England Test match head coach job.
However, a new offer from WA Liberals gives him a very different path to choose.
The Sunday Times first reported that there was a secret plan by party members for Langer to lead the party in the 2025 state elections after he was decimated in the Western Australia state elections of 2021.
According to the report, there have been several approaches by the party in an effort to recruit Langer, a popular figure from Western Australia.
The plan would see Langer likely parachuted into the seat of Cottesloe, should the leader, Dr David Honey, retire before the next election.
Liberal Minister of Parliament Libby Mettam has publicly supported the concept that Langer would be recruited by the branch of the state.
However, the bid was closed before it could even be launched, with Langer telling reporters he had yet to be approached by the party.
Seven News reports that Langer “has no idea” where the “bombshell” story came from and said Langer says the party hasn’t approached him yet.
Langer was also reportedly recently scouted as a candidate to join the Western Australian Cricket Board as manager after two recent resignations.
Meanwhile, Langer said earlier this month he was ready to take a job away from cricket as he looks to the future.
“I’m just wondering now if it’s time for a new chapter and doing something else because I love the game of cricket but I’ve been doing it (for a long time),” he said.
“I’m really excited for the future. I have scars from the last 12 months, but I will get over them. That’s life. In my darkest hours, I learned my greatest lessons.