James McGrath to lead LNP’s Queensland Senate campaign

LNP rising star Amanda Stoker has been defeated by James McGrath for top spot on the LNP’s Queensland Senate ticket, following a polarising speech.

A last minute revolt by LNP members has resulted in rising Coalition star Senator Amanda Stoker being relegated to the third spot of the party’s Senate ticket, as experienced campaigner Senator James McGrath took top spot.

Hours before the closed-door vote among party faithful at the party’s State Council, supporters of both Senator McGrath and Senator Stoker were convinced 10 to 20 votes would separate the pair.

But following a nailbiting backroom battle, Senator McGrath ended up clinching the lead, with 212 votes to Senator Stoker’s 101 – with three informal.

Senator James McGrath arrives at the Brisbane Convention Centre for the closed-door vote for the LNP’s Queensland Senate campaign. Picture: Liam Kidston

A senior LNP source, who was at the meeting held at the Brisbane Convention Centre on Saturday, said it was an address by Senator Stoker to the room that angered some members and caused them to flip their vote.

Senator Stoker told party delegates they need to show “courage” to get results – particularly in the state’s marginal seats.

In her eight-minute speech, Senator Stoker cited her firm stand against “cancel culture” and experience as an assistant minister.

Senator Stoker referenced her recent promotion to Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s ministry before later urging the room to vote for her.

It’s understood some members were taken aback by what they saw as a blatant directive.

Sources also said Senator Stoker was less impressive than Senator McGrath during their speeches.

Senator Amanda Stoker was narrowly defeated by James McGrath. Picture: Liam Kidston

LNP rules stipulate lead National candidate, Matt Canavan, will take number two on the ticket ahead of second-placed Liberal Senator Stoker, who will take the third spot.

The victory sets the party’s line-up ahead of the next federal election, where it is tipped to win at least three Senate seats in Queensland.

Senator McGrath pledged to grow the party and campaign to win.

“I have the experience fighting elections and I am asking you to send me out to fight,” he said.

Senator McGrath, who helped put Boris Johnson on the path to Downing Street and ran the Liberal Nat­ional Party’s 2012 state election campaign, told the party the next election would be tough.

MP Andrew Laming at the LNP 2021 Senate preselection. Picture: Liam Kidston

He said Queensland would decide Australia’s next Prime Minister.

“We didn’t surrender in 2019 and we won’t in the next election,” Senator McGrath said.

One LNP member said electing Senator McGrath to the top spot would allow his “extraordinary campaign skills” to be used in the fight to win Queensland – an essential state for Scott Morrison.

Each of the LNP’s six Senate candidates spoke for almost 10 minutes before taking questions ahead of a party vote.

Lawrence Springborg at the LNP 2021 Senate Pre-selection. Picture: Liam Kidston

Senator Canavan was the first to speak, promoting his track record of support for mining and agriculture while also calling for tax reform and support for families.

Embattled Liberal MP Andrew Laming also attended the State Council just weeks after being ordered to undergo empathy training following accusations of harassment.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli. Picture: Liam Kidston

Mr Laming, who was blocked by the party from recontesting his bayside seat at the next federal election, could be seen mingling with state and federal colleagues.

Former Queensland Premier Campbell Newman’s election as LNP trustee has polarised members, with one “dumbfounded” by the decision.

Another party delegate dismissed concerns Mr Newman’s involvement in the party would provide Labor with fodder at the 2024 state election.

“He’s not going to be a spokesman for the party or leading our campaign – it’s about getting using his skills in certain areas and him helping us,” they said.