Surprise end to the fiery LNP Groom meeting which has flared Coalition tensions
The Darling Downs seat of Groom will remain with the Liberal Party after a heated LNP branch now, but Nationals say it’s a case of ‘winning the battle, not the war’ and another vote is likely.
QLD Politics
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The Queensland seat of Groom will remain with the Liberals for now after a heated LNP branch meeting last night, but the matter is not yet settled with a stage set for another vote which could still see it switch to the Nationals for the first time in 32 years.
As more information comes to light, it can be revealed the vote was to maintain the “status quo” until after the pre-selection, but only until after the by-election.
The decision is to be reviewed by the branch at a later date, likely before the next Federal election. No timeline was set, allowing the branch to make the call on timing.
The Liberals are claiming a significant victory, while National sources say “they won the battle, not the war” with the decision ultimately delayed.
Branch members were reportedly concerned about the vote being rushed, with the state executive only deciding to allow the move on Friday night.
It is understood the vote of the almost 200 branch members was heavily in favour of maintaining the status quo for now, but allowing the decision to be reviewed.
It followed LNP senator Matt Canavan bowing out of contesting the Groom preselection, which could have cleared the way for a future leadership tilt.
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The seat has been held by the Liberals for more than three decades, with the current turmoil sparked by the shock resignation of John McVeigh.
Senior Government sources have accused “faceless Nats in Canberra” of trying to blow up the government during a pandemic, while Nationals sources say the move has been driven from the branch.
Senator Canavan had been approached by party members about contesting the seat, which has been held by the Liberals for 32 years, and while he said it was “unlikely” he had not ruled it out.
But Senator Canavan confirmed to The Courier-Mail yesterday he would not contest preselection for Groom.
“I’m humbled to be asked to consider such a move,” he said.
“But I am very committed to central Queensland. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved there and there’s a lot more to do.
“Myself and my family have made central Queensland a real home. We can’t leave when we’re so happy there.”
Senator Canavan and his wife Andrea have five children, aged between three years and 15 years old.
There has long been speculation that Senator Canavan will be a future leader of the National party and potential future deputy prime minister.
Former Liberal member for Groom Bill Taylor, who served from 1989 to 1998, said he was “dismayed” that the state executive had allowed the seat to switch parties.
“What’s happening with Groom is an unsettling issue at a time the LNP should be concentrating on winning the state election,” he said.
Mr Taylor did not participate in last night’s vote as he now lives on the Gold Coast and resigned from the LNP when the two parties amalgamated.
Toowoomba councillor Rebecca Vonhoff is considered a contender, while former senator Barry O’Sullivan’s son, also named Barry O’Sullivan, is also in contention, as well as businessmen Garth Hamilton and Shane Charles, and Sara Hales.
A date is yet to be set for the by-election but is expected to be in early November.
