Ipswich West MP Darren Zanow quits politics after brain disease diagnosis

The LNP has preselected Georgia Toft in Ipswich West after the shock retirement of newly-elected MP Darren Zanow.

The LNP has preselected Georgia Toft in Ipswich West after the shock retirement of newly-elected MP Darren Zanow.

Mr Zanow revealed on Friday he would not recontest the seat, which he won in an epic by-election in March, after being diagnosed with a brain disease.

Ms Toft is Mr Zanow’s electorate officer. According to the LNP she has “deep roots” in the Ipswich West community.

“Working and volunteering in our community I have seen the impacts of a decade-old bad Labor Government, with people living in fear because of the Youth Crime Crisis they created and people losing their lives in the Health Crisis,” she said.

“Growing up on a farm I understand every dollar matters and many in our community are making tough decisions to pay the ever-increasing bills, time’s up for Labor and I’m fighting for change.”

Mr Zanow delivered the devastating health news on Friday, announcing he had been diagnosed with Microvascular Ischemic Disease on April 16 – the same day he was sworn into parliament.

Ipswich West MP Darren Zanow announces he is quitting politics after being diagnosed with brain disease.

The disease commonly leads to early onset dementia due to plaque build up on the brain.

“Observed in a person of my age, it is likely to signal that a more rapid onset has begun and subsequent medical tests have proven this to be true in my case,” Mr Zanow said.

“Serving this amazing community as an MP is one of the greatest honours of my life but because of this disease, my time in public office and likely my life, will be cut short.”

There is no proven treatment for the disease, and Mr Zanow made the difficult decision to not recontest his seat at the upcoming election.

He will spend his remaining years with his family, including his seven-year-old daughter Lola.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli stood by an emotional Mr Zanow and commended him for his leadership and the successful legacy he has left on the Ipswich community.

“He went to bat for (the community) when they weren’t getting justice after the floods, he went in to fight for them when they needed resources here at the showgrounds,” he said.

“Everywhere you look in Ipswich, someone’s got a story about him in his touch somebody’s life.

“He just loves the place and that legacy has to be celebrated.”

Mr Zanow successfully won the traditional Labor seat of Ipswich West during the March by-election, which saw Labor suffer a brutal 15 per cent swing.

He confirmed he had put forward potential election candidates to the LNP for his replacement, but remained tight lipped on any front runners.

Mr Crisafulli dismissed questions over whether the LNP was concerned about retaining the seat after the strong by-election win, saying it was a discussion for another day.

“My main focus is on him is as human,” he said

“He’s got a seven year old daughter. That has to be a priority.”

A candidate announcement for Ipswich West is expected soon.

Premier Steven Miles said Mr Zanow had been a “genuine community leader” from Ipswich whose contribution would unfortunately be cut short.

“In this job we might be on different sides, but we’re all human, we all have families, so we just wish him all the best,” he said.

“He is a genuine community leader from Ipswich, genuine about the contribution he has sought to make and while that contribution will be cut short it was certainly appreciated.”