Queensland LNP boss quits, blames developer donation ban

One of the main agitators for Malcolm Turnbull's removal has resigned from his post as Queensland LNP president.

RESIGNED: Outgoing LNP president Gary Spence. Picture: Kevin Farmer

ONE of the main agitators for Malcolm Turnbull's removal has resigned from his post as Queensland LNP president.

Gary Spence made the announcement on Friday to the LNP's State Executive and members.

Mr Spence had been president of the Queensland Liberals and became vice-president of the LNP when the merger took place in 2008.

He said he had been forced to resign due to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk's "draconian and punitive legislation that prohibits the property development sector from actively participating in Queensland's political life”.

Mr Spence effectively quit due to the State Government's ban on developer donations, as he was classified as a prohibited donor, due to his role as executive chairman of PeakUrban, a civil engineering and development consultant, and therefore could not raise funds for the party.

"Simply put, the president of your Party must be able to fundraise and campaign for the LNP,” Mr Spence wrote.

"Your president must be able to raise the funds required to keep our Party running and Annastacia Palaszczuk and Labor has made it a criminal offence for me to do so.”

Earlier this year Mr Spence had quietly advocated for controversial Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton to replace Malcolm Turnbull as Prime Minister, after his Party endured a 3.7 per cent swing at the Longman by-election.

Tensions between the State Executive and the Party's MPs flared recently when Mr Spence publicly threatened to intervene in the pre-selection of three State MPs, including former party leader Tim Nicholls, over their support to decriminalise abortion in a conscience vote.

Mr Spence said he left with a "heavy heart” but his resignation would "allow someone else to step up who is not hindered by this draconian legislation” who can "turn their full attention to running the Party”.

Attention now turned to who would replace Mr Spence, ahead of what loomed as a difficult Federal Election ahead.