Updated May 31, 2018 14:05:00

Photo: Tania Lawrence says she lives in Mundaring, in the seat of Darling Range. (ABC News: Jacob Kagi)

WA Labor has selected a senior Woodside staffer and former public servant to contest the Darling Range by-election, insisting the public can trust her after their past two candidates for the seat quit following scrutiny of their qualifications.

Tania Lawrence, a current Woodside manager, has been announced as Labor's candidate for next month's by-election.

She will primarily be vying for the seat with Liberal candidate Alyssa Hayden, a former Upper House MP.

The by-election was sparked by the resignation in disgrace of former Labor MP Barry Urban, who was found to have repeatedly lied about his education and police service history.

Photo: Barry Urban resigned as the Member for Darling Range earlier this month. (Supplied: The West Australian)

Labor's initial pick for the seat, Colleen Yates, resigned last week after it emerged she had misrepresented her education history on a LinkedIn profile.

Premier Mark McGowan said he advocated for Ms Lawrence, who he had known for more than a decade.

"I am absolutely confident she will do a great job," Mr McGowan said.

Ms Lawrence said she lives in Mundaring in the district and has small businesses in the area.

She said she had been as heavily scrutinised in the past "when I held national security clearances for Government".

She lists her qualifications as a bachelor of economics and a bachelor of arts in Asian studies from Murdoch University, and a bachelor of arts with honours in Asian studies from the University of Western Australia.

Photo: Colleen Yates stepped down after questions were raised over her educational achievements. (Supplied: Colleen Yates)

She said she was also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

"I believe I do have the experience necessary to have a seat at the table of the McGowan Labor Government," Ms Lawrence said.

She added she had previously worked in the public service, in emergency management and counter terrorism.

"I can see the opportunities for the Darling Range, and I want to be the advocate and the strong local voice for my community and the McGowan Labor Government," she said.

Mr McGowan said she was a "first-rate person" he has known for about 16 years since she previously worked for the State Government.

Topics: government-and-politics, elections, kalamunda-6076, wa, kelmscott-6111, roleystone-6111

First posted May 31, 2018 13:52:17