LNP Qld: Jarrod Bleijie elected unopposed as deputy leader

Jarrod Bleijie has been elected unopposed as LNP deputy leader, after David Janetzki stepped down to focus on the health of his family.

Veteran Liberal National MP Jarrod Bleijie has been elevated to the deputy leadership of the party – vowing to put people first as he takes on the No.2 job.

The former attorney-general, who has been a member of parliament since 2009, was elected deputy leader unopposed at a party-room meeting on today.

It comes after David Janetzki stood down from the role to focus on the health of his family.

Mr Bleijie has most recently served as shadow finance minister as well as manager of opposition business, in which he was responsible for the LNP’s parliamentary tactics.

He said it was an “extreme honour” to take up the deputy leadership, describing it as a “big role”.

“I will use the opportunity as deputy leader ... to continue holding the government to account,” Mr Bleijie said.

“This is about people. We’re going to put people first.”

Mr Bleijie, 40, served as attorney-general in the Newman government and has held various opposition frontbench positions since the Labor Government came to power.

“I’ve used the last seven years in Opposition to reflect a lot,” he said.

“I believe in the last seven years in Opposition, I have grown as a person. I have grown in my role.

“I’m a strong team player, and I also believe that by listening to people I’m a better parliamentarian than what I was seven years ago.”

Mr Bleijie was 26 when elected to Parliament, and is known for being a devoted monarchist.