State Labor MP to stand down at next election after allegations of bullying

State Labor MP Jim Madden will relinquish his seat at the next election, announcing the move in his first comments since being embroiled in allegations of bullying and claims of improperly using taxpayer funds.

Ipswich West MP Jim Madden will not stand at next election.

Embattled Labor MP Jim Madden will relinquish his seat at the next election, making the announcement in his first comments since being embroiled in allegations of bullying and claims of improperly using taxpayer funds.

He was cleared a few days ago of allegations of improperly using taxpayer funds.

The Ipswich West MP was earlier this year cleared of allegations of bullying a female electorate office staffer after an investigation by Queensland Labor.

But two more people came forward, alleging in reports by The Australian that they had been manipulated or touched inappropriately by the MP.

Another allegation about improper use of taxpayer funds to buy his girlfriend at the time an artwork at a school charity were “not substantiated” by the Clerk of Parliament after an investigation.

Mr Madden had maintained his silence throughout the multiple sagas.

But in parliament on Tuesday Mr Madden said he had always “tried to uphold the standards expected by my community and the Australian Labor Party”.

“I have fully participated in processes about issues raised,” he said.

Mr Madden confirmed he had “some time ago” made the decision not to renominate for preselection for his seat of Ipswich West.

Mr Madden was already on Labor’s hit list of MPs at the 2024 election as part of the party’s affirmative action rules.

He raised ongoing mental and physical health issues as a factor behind his decision to call time on his political career once the next election rolls around.