‘He’s seen the dysfunction’: New LNP role for Mander

Former Deputy Opposition Leader Tim Mander has joined the LNP’s state executive after securing more than half the vote needed.

Former Deputy Opposition Leader Tim Mander has joined the LNP’s state executive in a move that’s been lauded as common sense by party members.

The Everton MP became the party’s new Metro North branch chair after scoring more than half the vote at a meeting tonight.

It’s understood Mr Mander had the backing of Clayfield MP and former Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls and senior Federal Minister Peter Dutton.

His new position follows a tumultuous period for the LNP, with accusations aired in The Courier-Mail and The Sunday Mail that relations between the organisational and parliamentary wings had become toxic.

One senior LNP source said Mr Mander would be a voice for reform that members had been crying out for.

“He’s seen the dysfunction up close,” they said.

“He’s had the guts to call it out.”

Tim Mander has been named the LNP’s new Metro North branch chair. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Dan Peled

They said tonight’s result showed the real mood of members.

Mr Mander, who is the Opposition’s housing and public works spokesman, ran against Ben Dullroy and Josef Schembera for the role.

The MP is now one of about 30 state executive members across the state.

Another senior source said Mr Mander’s vote was a good thing for the state executive and north Brisbane.

“Common sense decision by 214 members of the party who want to see change and a swing in 2024,” they said.

“He had the support of the elected members and councillors.”

LNP acting president Cynthia Hardy said as Deputy Leader, Mr Mander represented the Parliamentary Leader on State Executive on many occasions.

“Tim was also a key member of the 2020 state campaign committee, responsible for the LNP’s economic strategy,” she said.