Roger Cook’s chief of staff Daniel Pastorelli to take extended leave to campaign as candidate for Landsdale

Premier Roger Cook’s chief of staff has confirmed he will take extended leave at the end of January, to contest the State election as Labor’s candidate for Landsdale. Daniel Pastorelli was campaigning alongside his boss in Warwick on Tuesday, when Labor pledged $16 million towards a new base for the Perth Wildcats and Perth Lynx — if re-elected. Mr Pastorelli said he has been using annual leave for any time spent campaigning, including on Tuesday, to avoid a perception of a conflict of interest. “Yes I’m on annual leave today for this announcement,” he said. “I’ve always in my job as chief of staff, I’ve always, performed that in the best interests of the public and same goes for my role now as a candidate . . . I’ll probably take (extended) leave before the end of January, so before caretaker mode, so we can transition effectively.” Pressed for evidence the two roles are being kept separate, Mr Pastorelli offered to provide annual leave forms to the media. “I have got a bit (of leave) in the bank,” he joked.