Annastacia Palaszczuk holidays in Europe as her government battles political fires on all fronts

Amid mounting speculation around Annastacia Palaszczuk’s leadership, this image speaks louder than any words could, writes Hayden Johnson. VOTE IN OUR POLL

• ‘Gossip’: Deputy defends holiday
• Leadership: ‘Down a sinkhole’

The image speaks louder than any words could – two future contenders for the Labor leadership together as speculation mounts about Annastacia Palaszczuk’s future.

Acting Premier Steven Miles and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman, both from Labor’s powerful left faction, all smiles while the boss is away.

Mr Miles and Ms Fentiman believe they could do Ms Palaszczuk’s job and are the most serious contenders.

Health Minister Shannon Fenitman and Acting Premier Steven Miles hold a press conference on Monday morning while Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk holidays in Europe. Picture: Scott Powick

Only Treasurer Cameron Dick, the most senior right faction MP behind Ms Palaszczuk, could offer any resistance to their ambition.

Make no mistake, there is no imminent threat to Ms Palaszczuk.

Rumblings and frustration within the government – or “rumours and gossip” as Acting Premier Miles put it on Sunday – are drawn from concerns about sliding poll results and a truly shocking week in parliament.

Yet MPs are realistic, Ms Palaszczuk has been in this position before and fought back – albeit with some luck – to see off three LNP leaders.

What makes this speculation different is a growing belief Ms Palaszczuk is losing her mongrel for the job.

She hasn’t “checked out”, as the LNP claims, but there is a sense in the Labor Party it’s the office of Premier, rather than the job, keeping her there.

The sense is compounded by a series of recent blunders including her involvement in Transport Minister Mark Bailey’s cost blowout cover-up, refusing to address the victims of crime rally and the general chaos in parliament.

Acting Premier Steven Miles and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman were all smiles as they fronted the media. Picture: Scott Powick

Housing, youth crime, cost of living and health; the Palaszczuk government is battling political fires on all fronts.

With a clear vision for Queensland and hard work, the Premier can extinguish these fires and defeat a fourth LNP leader.

If things don’t change, this Labor rumbling could turn into a roar.