REVEALED: The councillors tipped to be in line for Brisbane deputy mayoralty

Two frontrunners have emerged in the race to replace Brisbane’s deputy mayor, Krista Adams, as council tries to quash rumours she is set to make a major new political move.

Councillor Fiona Cunningham and Councillor Ryan Murphy.

Brisbane City Council has scotched speculation that former Deputy Mayor Krista Adams will run for the key seat of Bonner at this year’s federal election.

It comes as the LNP party room is set to meet at City Hall on Friday to vote on a replacement deputy, with Ryan Murphy and Fiona Cunningham tipped to be frontrunners.

The surprise announcement by Ms Adams a week ago that she would step down, only nine months after she was elected, raised questions about the reason.

She said in a Facebook post that she wanted to pursue a “new path’’.

However, a council spokeswoman said: “Cr Krista Adams will not run federally in any capacity.’’

Bonner MP Ross Vasta, who has held the bayside seat for the LNP since 2010, also said he was going nowhere.

Fiona Cunningham delivers last year’s budget. Picture: Richard Walker

“I can confirm for you that I am 100 per cent running as the LNP candidate for the seat of Bonner,’’ he said.

“I will continue to work hard for the residents of Bonner and I am grateful for the continued support from the Schrinner Council, and Cr Krista Adams, as I run as the LNP candidate for Bonner at the next federal election.’’

Ms Adams received approval over the summer break to lead a delegation to Japan, sometime in April.

Pundits have tipped the next federal election, due in May, would most likely be called on April 12 to avoid Labor having to deliver a budget.

Labor has meanwhile confirmed former Morningside Councillor Kara Cook had been officially endorsed to run against Mr Vasta in Bonner, which he held with a slim 3.4 per cent margin.

Lead organiser of the public sector Together union, Billy Colless, withdrew his nomination earlier this month.

Labor holds only five of the 30 Queensland federal seats.

Brisbane, 1 December 2024. Ryan Murphy during a visit to the Brisbane Metro station.

Insiders said three names had emerged as likely to put their hands up for the deputy role, which would go to a vote at the LNP party room meeting in City Hall on Friday morning, January 31.

High-profile transport committee chair Ryan Murphy and finance committee chair Fiona Cunningham were immediately tipped as likely replacements after Ms Adams’ announcement.

Ms Cunningham, a journalism graduate, is a strong media performer.

A finalist in the Australia-wide McKinnon Prize, which recognises outstanding political leadership, she delivered last year’s austere budget with minimal blowback despite cost cutting.

Observers said it would be “good optics’’ to have a female deputy.

Mr Murphy has had a tougher run in the media.

He inherited the final delivery of Metro which was already well over budget and over deadline by the time he took on the transport portfolio.

Despite also being a smooth media performer, last November he was forced to apologise when it emerged that the public launch of buses on the Metro 169 route was only a trial. The actual start date for Metro M1 was on January 28.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner hugs Krista Adams at her announcement that she would step down as his deputy. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Ms Cunningham declined to comment. Mr Murphy was approached for comment.

Jamboree ward Councillor Sarah Hutton, the city standards committee chair and former communications and marketing professional, was another name being talked about.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has said the council would be holding a ballot of the team in a democratic fashion.