Premier Colin Barnett says he has taken comfort in the result of this morning’s spill motion because his party voted two-to-one to reject it.

The motion was moved by Murray-Wellington MLA Murray Cowper after both Tony Simpson and Dean Nalder resigned from the Barnett Ministry on the weekend.

The 31-15 result saw Mr Barnett retained as Premier.

Speaking after emerging from the party room, Mr Barnett said the session had been “therapeutic” and was overdue.

He said it was important MPs could discuss their views openly and the party now needed to present a united front in the lead up to next year’s state election.