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Bowman LNP president Craig Luxton quits claiming party can’t win

The Bowman branch of the LNP is in turmoil, with the resignation of the branch president hours after a divisive preselection battle for the blue-ribbon LNP seat.

Clockwise from top left: Capalaba MP Don Brown; LNP branch president for Bowman FDC Craig Luxton; Redland mayor Karen Williams; Bowman LNP candidate winner Henry Pike; outgoing LNP MP Andrew Laming and LNP branch secretary Matt McEachan.
Clockwise from top left: Capalaba MP Don Brown; LNP branch president for Bowman FDC Craig Luxton; Redland mayor Karen Williams; Bowman LNP candidate winner Henry Pike; outgoing LNP MP Andrew Laming and LNP branch secretary Matt McEachan.

The chairman of the embattled Bowman branch of the LNP has quit claiming he cannot see the party winning back the seat.

Mount Cotton resident Craig Luxton announced his resignation on Sunday, hours after a crucial vote to decide who would represent the party in the seat vacated by long-term MP Andrew Laming.

In a heartfelt message to the party faithful last night, just hours after the divisive vote, Mr Luxton said he believed his use to the party as the chairman of the branch had come to an end “as I cannot see a path to victory”.

Redlands man Craig Luxton has quit after backing mayor Karen Williams for party preselection.
Redlands man Craig Luxton has quit after backing mayor Karen Williams for party preselection.
Craig Luxton’s message to the party faithful after yesterday’s LNP preselection battle for Bowman.
Craig Luxton’s message to the party faithful after yesterday’s LNP preselection battle for Bowman.

He said he was not aligned with the new Bowman candidate Henry Pike after backing Redland mayor Karen Williams for the post.

Henry Pike won LNP preselection with 107 votes to Maggie Forrest’s 88.

Mr Pike won despite fat shaming texts he allegedly sent about women during his time with the Young LNP more than a decade ago.

“I am not aligned with the new candidate and after years of faithful service I have spoken to the party president this evening and resigned effective immediately,” Mr Luxton wrote.

“Tonight, I have also been handed the resignations of the Treasurer Ed Barclay and Secretary Matt McEachan.”

Five candidates threw their hats into the ring, including Cr Williams, who has taken some flak for revealing her political affiliation with the LNP.

Mr Luxton has held the position of LNP chair for Bowman for four years, since the last Bowman Federal Divisional Council was suspended ahead of the May 18, 2019 election.

Sitting MP Mr Laming failed to get preselection and bowed out of running for the seat, opening up the blue ribbon post to the new LNP candidates.

LNP party faithful are now concerned the branch is divided and Mr Pike will not get adequate backing.

Labor MP for Capalaba Don Brown last night called for Cr Williams to resign after she revealed her LNP roots.

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/redlands/bowman-lnp-president-craig-luxton-quits-claiming-he-cant-win/news-story/28052a619e7373a6e511cc42819d16a9