Jim Chalmers ‘considering’ running for Labor leadership

Queensland could become Labor Party central if born-and-bred Logan man Jim Chalmers takes up the leadership challenge.

Jim Chalmers on the Q&A panel last night answers questions about whether he will run for Labor leader.

THE former Shadow Finance Minister Jim Chalmers has officially admitted he is considering running for the Labor leadership.

Mr Chalmers spent all day Monday dodging questions about whether he would take up the challenge before fronting last night’s Q&A on ABC TV.

CHALMERS EXPECTED FRONT BENCH

RANKIN VOTES ON HIP-POCKET

“I am considering it,” he said. “I’m talking to my colleagues about it. I don’t think it is unreasonable that a few of us take our time to work out what we want to do.

“Remember, we were hoping to form a cabinet this week. We weren’t complacent about that.

“We were hoping to be cabinet ministers. I was hoping to front up tonight as the Minister for Finance.

“We had a heartbreaking defeat on Saturday and we have to deal with that. So I think it is reasonable to take some time and talk to my colleagues about it.”

Mr Chalmers, who retained his southeast Queensland seat of Rankin albeit with a diminished margin, also said he wanted to play a leading role in rebuilding Labor’s electoral fortunes and policies.

But he said the nature of that role was yet to be determined and he had great respect for his colleagues who had already put their names in the ring for the leadership challenge.

So far, Anthony Albanese is the front runner for the position but there is also expected to be a challenge from former Shadow Treasury spokesman Chris Bowen.

Mr Chalmers, who is 41, with three young children, made his announcement hours after Labor’s deputy leader Tanya Plibersek said she was no longer a contender.