Former Newman minister Tracy Davis poised for tilt at City Hall
A former Newman government minister is poised to make a political comeback amid major changes in the ranks of the LNP at Brisbane City Council.
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A FORMER Newman government minister is poised to make a political comeback amid major changes in the ranks of the LNP at Brisbane City Council.
The Courier-Mail can reveal former member for Aspley and child safety minister Tracy Davis is set to replace outgoing McDowall councillor Norm Wyndham as the LNP candidate for the 2020 council election.
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It is also understood Calamvale Ward councillor Angela Owen is eyeing a tilt at federal politics, and is expected to be endorsed as the LNP’s candidate for the seat of Moreton as early as this week.
Cr Owen would not have to quit her position on Council, where she currently serves as its Chairman, to pursue the role.
It comes as Walter Taylor Ward councillor Julian Simmonds prepares to quit council within days to focus on his campaign for the federal seat of Ryan, after he was endorsed by the party last year.
His departure would pave the way for businessman James MacKay to fill the vacancy.
Sources have also told The Courier-Mail that Coorparoo ward councillor Ian McKenzie is also set to retire from council.
It remains unclear if either councillors McKenzie or Wyndham will resign within 12 months of the election, allowing the party to appoint whoever they want to fill the vacancy.
The shake up would be a significant change to the ranks of Lord Mayor Graham Quirk’s Liberal majority, and would be a sign of renewal for the party, which has had control of the council chamber for more than a decade.
A spokesman for Cr Quirk yesterday insisted he remained the LNP’s endorsed candidate for city’s top job at the 2020 council election.
“Nominations from LNP party members for the council 2020 elections have closed,” he said.
“The preselection process is currently underway and expected to be finalised in the coming weeks.”
His office would not comment on the impact the shake up would have on their chances at winning the next council election.
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