Former Weekend Sunrise host and AFL commentator Basil Zempilas faces ‘conflict of interest’ claims as he runs for Lord Mayor of Perth
Former Weekend Sunrise star Basil Zempilas has revealed that he is running for Lord Mayor of Perth.
However the TV and radio personality has been charged with conflict of interest claims, with concerns he could use his media platform to promote his campaign.
However the TV host, 48, denied those claims, telling The Weekend Australian on Sunday, saying that he plans to ‘play by the rules’.
Candidate: Former Weekend Sunrise star Basil Zempilas (pictured) is running for Lord Mayor of Perth. However the TV and radio personality has been charged with conflict of interest claims, with concerns he could use his media platform to promote his campaign
‘It would be an unfair advantage if I continually used it as a platform for my election, but that is not what I’m going to do,’ he said.
‘Like everybody else is entitled to continue to work in their chosen professions if they stand for office, I think as long as I play fair and play by the rules, and the rules we set for ourselves, then in my mind it’s okay.’
Basil will continue working in his various media roles, including as a sports anchor on Seven, a morning radio show on 6PR and a column in The West Australian.
However the TV host, 48, denied those claims, telling The Weekend Australian on Sunday, saying that he plans to ‘play by the rules’. ‘It would be an unfair advantage if I continually used it as a platform for my election, but that is not what I’m going to do,’ he said. Pictured on Sunrise with Sam Armytage
Basil added: ‘Like everybody else is entitled to continue to work in their chosen professions if they stand for office, I think as long as I play fair and play by the rules, and the rules we set for ourselves, then in my mind it’s okay’
He also hosts Channel Seven’s AFL and Olympics commentary, and intends to continue that work even if he becomes Lord Mayor.
The election is set to take place in October and Basil told Perth Now that he is ‘up for the fight’.
Speaking of his commitment to the city, Basil told the paper: ‘I live in the city, work in the city and walk through the city every day and I, like all West Aussies, expect our capital to be safer, cleaner, cheaper, more accessible, more vibrant and friendlier.’
Hard at work: Basil will continue working in his various media roles, including as a sports anchor on Seven, a morning radio show on 6PR and a column in The West Australian. Pictured with Roger Federer at the Hopman Cup New Year’s Eve Gala
Busy man: He also hosts Channel Seven’s AFL and Olympics commentary, and intends to continue that work even if he becomes Lord Mayor. Pictured with Bombers coach John Worsfold and Luke Darcy and Basil Zempilas during an AFL match at Optus Stadium in Perth
Basil is a famous face in West Australia, and in March 2018, he was co-host of Weekend Sunrise, replacing Andrew O’Keefe.
In September 2019, he stepped down as regular host of Weekend Sunrise, however continued to appear as a fill-in presenter.
The TV star is has been married to longtime girlfriend Amy Graham since 2009, with the pair tying the not in Greece. They share two daughters and a son.
Family: The TV star is has been married to longtime girlfriend Amy Graham since 2009, with the pair tying the not in Greece. They share two daughters and a son. All pictured