David Crisafulli nominates for LNP leader as Tim Mander rules himself out
David Crisafulli is set to become leader of the LNP after Tim Mander ruled himself out of the leadership race. Meanwhile, three contenders have emerged for the role of deputy leader. VOTE IN OUR POLL
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David Crisafulli is poised to be the next leader of the LNP as he revealed today he would run for the party’s top job.
He confirmed today that he would be asking his colleagues for their support ahead of a party room meeting which is expected next week.
“I nominate as someone who can offer the discipline to hold the government to account and the energy to start the four-year task of preparing the LNP for government in 2024,” he said.
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“Our party, our supporters and those who chose not to support us this time around deserve nothing less.
“In coming days I will be asking my colleagues for their support and sharing with them my play for rebuilding.
“Because this is a decision for the party room, I want to speak with my colleagues further before making any public comment.”
Mr Crisafulli also acknowledged the “tireless effort” of outgoing leader Deb Frecklington and deputy Tim Mander.
“Politics can be cruel and we are all hurting following Saturday’s result,” he said.
“Deb and Tim can be proud of their work ethic and long days trying to secure victory for the LNP.”
David Janetzki has confirmed that he will be running for the deputy leadership of the party.
“These are matters to be determined by my parliamentary colleagues in the days ahead,” he said in a statement.
“As such, I will not be making any further public statements.”
Dale Last today said he would “absolutely” be running for deputy.
“I think we need to strike the right balance between having a leader in south east Queensland and having a deputy that represents rural and regional Queensland,” he said.
“Given the result of the election, I think it’s even more imperative that we have a strong voice and a leadership role based in the north.”
Asked whether this was a sentiment shared within the party, Mr Last said “absolutely”.
He said he’d received overwhelming support to contest the deputy leader’s position.
Moggill MP Christian Rowan has also revealed that he is considering running for the deputy position as well.
“I am considering that option given that we must win seats in Brisbane,” he said.
“But there are many talented people in our party room and those discussions will take place with colleagues over the next week or so.”
He also acknowledged the “tremendous amount of commitment and hard work” that Ms Frecklington and Mr Mander has put in over the past three years.
“They’ve shown a huge amount of dedication, loyalty and commitment to the Liberal National Party of the last three years,” Dr Rowan said.
It comes after Tim Mander earlier today ruled himself out of the LNP’s leadership race.
Mr Mander has issued a statement, saying it had been a “tremendous honour” to serve as Deb Frecklington’s Deputy Leader over the last three years.
“I won’t be putting my hand up as a contender in the leadership contest when the LNP party room meeting is convened,” he said.
“I will not contest the deputy leadership either.
“I wish the new leadership team all the very best.
“Now is the time for stability and unity and I will serve in any capacity asked of me.
“I want to thank my family for their unwavering support and the people of Everton for putting their faith in me for another four years.”
Mr Mander, who holds the seat of Everton in Brisbane’s north, has also held the position of the LNP treasury spokesman for the past three years.