LNP state director Tony Eyres resigns just months into the job

The state director of the LNP has resigned after spending just months in the job, with his departure coming after allegations of a toxic culture at the party’s headquarters.

The Queensland LNP’s state director has resigned after just months into the job, with his departure coming after allegations of a toxic workplace culture at the party’s headquarters.

The Courier-Mail has confirmed, through multiple LNP sources, that state director Tony Eyres has resigned from his role effective immediately after being hired in June.

It was recently revealed that an exodus of highly-experienced staff and allegations of a toxic workplace culture at LNP headquarters had put the party’s organisational wing in choppy waters just six months out from a crucial federal election.

Tony Eyres has resigned after a short stint as LNP State Director.

Some staffers at the party’s head office were also close to walking out the door according to LNP insiders, signalling the tumult that has rocked the party in recent times was not yet over.

One senior LNP source said at the time that the situation at the organisation’s headquarters was like a “slow train wreck”.

It is understood a human resources consultant was called in to speak with LNP state executive staff in late September and has since submitted a report to party president Lawrence Springborg.

The departure of Tony Eyres has prompted the return of at least two key former staffers, including Angela Awabdy who was the state secretary for nearly a decade.

Campaign director Lincoln Folo will be the acting state director until a replacement for Mr Eyres is found.

In his resignation letter Mr Eyres said he would be leaving the job “as the state director role enters a more operational phase”.

“Over the last four months, we have worked through the State Executive strategic review and have prepared the election review recommendations for the upcoming Federal and State elections,” he said.

“We are now positioned as a party with a strong structure and strong platform to move forwards.

“I would like to thank my loyal staff and the party members for your support though (sic) the recent important processes and for embracing the next steps so passionately.”

President Lawrence Springborg, in a letter to LNP members, signalled the party was now shifting its focus more toward the upcoming Federal election and to the next state election in 2024.

“With the establishment of the strategic foundations, the State Director role now shifts to one of implementation, and we will be seeking someone new to meet those requirements,” he said.