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MP Edman caught drink driving

Phil Edman. Picture: Brian Oliver

Liberal MLC Phil Edman has lost his drivers license having returning a blood-alcohol reading above .08 after a dinner near his home in Rockingham last night.

It is Mr Edman’s second similar offence after being caught over the limit 10 years ago.

Premier Colin Barnett said he was extremely disappointed in Mr Edman.

“It’s unacceptable for anyone to drink and drive,” he said.

Mr Edman, who is the Liberal Party’s whip in the Upper House, confirmed the details to thewest.com.au this afternoon.

“I made a mistake,” he said.

“I was done for driving under the influence of alcohol, which happened not too far from my home.

“I thought I was OK. Obviously I wasn’t.”

Mr Edman said he wasn’t sure what his exact reading above .08 was.

But under drink driving penalties beefed up by the Barnett Government, he could expect a fine of at least $600 and an eight-month suspension.

The MP is yet to receive a court date but said he would plead guilty.

His drivers license was suspended on the spot.

Mr Edman said he had informed Premier Colin Barnett’s office about the charge.

He said any reconsideration of his position as whip would be up to the Liberal party room, which appoints it.

Mr Edman, who was elected to represent the South Metropolitan Region in 2008, has actively sought to get synthetic cannabis products removed from WA shelves.

He said the drink driving charge was “embarrassing”.

“Whether you’re a member of Parliament or the man who delivers the newspaper, the law is there and I broke it,” he said.

“We are supposed to be role models for society.

“Our Government has got a very good record with road safety and that’s what I am very upset about.

“I am very sorry about it and I have got to get used to using public transport. I will be a big Uber client now, I reckon.”