Former state and federal Labor MP Alannah MacTiernan is attempting a political comeback, following the retirement of former Opposition transport spokesman Ken Travers.

Key points: Ken Travers stood down from the shadow cabinet in June last year

Mr Travers has declined to back anyone for his seat saying it is a matter for the party

Ms MacTiernan has been a state MP under Gallop and Carpenter, and federally under Shorten

Labor leader Mark McGowan announced Ms MacTiernan as his preferred candidate for the top spot of the party's Upper House North Metropolitan ticket, which will be vacated by Mr Travers.

Mr Travers will retire next week after a career in State Parliament lasting nearly 20 years.

The vacancy that will be created between his retirement and the expiration of his term in May is set to be filled by lawyer and City of Vincent councillor Laine McDonald, who was in the next spot on the party's North Metropolitan ticket in 2013.

But positions on the ticket beyond that are a matter for preselectors, with Mr McGowan throwing his support behind Ms MacTiernan.

"This is me working with Alannah and working with the party to get the best outcome for the state and I think West Australians like and respect Alannah," Ms MacTiernan said.

"I want that energy, drive and work-ethic working on behalf of the party and the people of Western Australia.

"My view is very, very strong that Alannah should fill this position."

While Mr McGowan's support is non-binding and preselectors could instead pick another candidate, the leader said he had been in discussions with others within the party and support had been expressed.

Ms MacTiernan, who retired from federal politics earlier this year after a brief stint as the Member for Perth, said she was confident she had widespread support within the party.

"Many of the current members and candidates have been asking me to campaign with them, so I'm confident there is strong support within the party for me to be involved," she said.

"I see myself as being part of an incredibly strong team and Mark obviously believes I can add some value, I obviously believe I have got something to give here."

Ms MacTiernan served as a key minister in the Gallop and Carpenter governments between 2001 and 2008 but Mr McGowan said there had been no promise of a front bench position if Labor was successful in 2017.

"No guarantees are related to those issues, no assurances, everyone in the caucus after the election has a vote on those issues," Mr McGowan said.

Mr McGowan said he expected the preselection to be resolved within the next month or two.

'She'd be like Lazarus with a quadruple bypass'

Senior Liberal MP Joe Francis questioned the move, saying he would like to see both sides of politics bring in fresh blood.

Ken Travers was the Opposition's long-serving transport spokesman. ( ABC News: Andrew O'Connor )

"She'd be like Lazarus with a quadruple bypass, wouldn't she," he said. "Alannah has been around for a long time," he said.

"I'd like to see political parties, both political parties, take these opportunities to renew and refresh, to be honest, and bring new people in rather than old faces."

Earlier, Mr Travers decided the time was right for both him and the party to move on.

"I will be working hard for the people of Western Australia to ensure we have a government for you that is led by Mark McGowan," he said.

Mr Travers was a key member of Labor's frontbench and a central figure in the development of its Metronet policy until he suddenly quit shadow cabinet last year.

Mr McGowan paid tribute to Mr Travers in a statement, saying he had made a "major contribution" to public life.

"Ken gained respect from across the political divide and from a wide range of community and stakeholder groups because of his sincerity and commitment to pursuing positive policy outcomes," he said.