The longest-serving Western Australian Premier was Sir David Brand, who served for 11 years, 11 months and one day. Sir David Brand became Premier on 2 April 1959 and served until his Liberal government lost the election by one seat on 3 March 1971. Sir David continued to serve as Leader of the Opposition until June 1972. He was succeeded as Premier by John Tonkin, who is Western Australia’s longest-serving member of Parliament.