Local LNP Currumbin branch members ‘furious’ over lack of say in candidate call

An internal fight has erupted within the LNP after it chose its Currumbin candidate in the looming by-election without the say of local branch members.

AN internal fight has erupted within the LNP over its decision to choose its Currumbin candidate in the looming by-election without the say of local branch members.

Lawyer Laura Gerber was selected by the LNP state executive on Monday night to contest the poll to replace long-serving MP Jann Stuckey, who quit due to health issues.

Ms Gerber will be introduced to party members tonight (Tuesday) at a meeting to be held at Currumbin RSL.

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But the Currumbin SEC are furious they were left out of the decision.

Lawyer Laura Gerber was selected by the LNP state executive to contest the poll to replace long-serving MP Jann Stuckey. Picture: LinkedIn

The Courier-Mail understands a letter has been penned to LNP President Dave Hutchinson with their grievances, including that the candidate was chosen in secret, on the night of a public holiday.

It further complains that members have been given hardly any notice of tonight’s meeting and don’t even know the candidate’s name.

It’s understood party officials were keen to get its candidate in place on the hustings following Ms Stuckey’s surprise resignation letter last week that left the LNP behind Labor, whose candidate Kaylee Campradt was on the ground with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on Monday.

Long-serving MP Jann Stuckey quit due to health issues. Picture: David Clark

But there was also a possibility the local SEC could have voted not to preselect Ms Gerber, despite being the only candidate contesting, following bad blood around Ms Stuckey’s preferred candidate and SEC chair, Chris Crawford, failing the vetting process.

AN LNP spokesman said: “The one and only reason members join a political party is to win elections.”

“The best chance for the LNP of winning the Currumbin by-election is to have our candidate in the field as quickly as possible.

“That’s why State Executive used its constitutional power to endorse an outstanding candidate, who was uncontested for the preselection.

“She has been inspired by Deb Frecklington’s leadership and vision for Queensland, and she is ready to hit the ground campaigning straight away.”