While the Labor Party pulled down the shutters on public criticism after outbursts by party members on Tuesday, Mr Carpenter hit the airwaves yesterday to accept full responsibility for a disastrous election campaign.

He said while it was obvious the campaign had ''missed the mark'' and that he could have done better, his focus was ''not on my own personal destiny or fate''.

Mr Carpenter said he was aware of talk within the party that he should step aside.

However, he said he did not believe there was any serious challenge to his leadership.

He said he wanted to sort out a new government before his leadership was dealt with.

''I have to make sure that I work as assiduously as I can to form a government which is a government good for Western Australia.''

Mr Carpenter said it was an ''exciting'' prospect to work with the Nationals to form government.''This is an historic opportunity ... and I want to try every effort to see if I can bring it about.''

But a party insider said Mr Carpenter had little chance of forming government with the Nationals.

''The most likely result is 31-29 in favour of the Liberals, perhaps 32-28, based on the latest counting,'' the source said.

Mr Carpenter, who conceded Labor had little chance of getting enough seats in its own right to govern, had talks yesterday with Kalgoorlie independent and former Labor MP John Bowler.

Mr Bowler, after also beingwooed by Opposition leader Colin Barnett, said his options remained open about who he would support.

At the close of counting yesterday, the ABC election website put the likely standings as Labor on 26 seats, the Liberals on 22, Nationals four and Independents three and four in doubt. But the Nationals may have to wait until well into next week before deciding which party to support if their votes are required by a minority government. AAP