Annastacia Palaszczuk leadership pressure: Premier’s stunning admission over latest attack

Annastacia Palaszczuk says it’s possible a calculated campaign to undermine her leadership is under way, following calls from two former ministers, and has revealed what action might be taken by her critics and when.

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Annastacia Palaszczuk has acknowledged a calculated campaign to undermine her leadership could be under way, but said any vote of no confidence would be a matter for Labor MPs when they meet in February.

Ms Palaszcuk on Monday was again forced to answer repeated questions about her leadership following the intervention of two former ministers, who have called on her to resign or Labor MPs to move a no-confidence motion against her leadership.

Any leadership threat is not imminent, with Labor MPs not due to meet again until February.

“We have broken up for Christmas, of course, members are now back in their electorates working hard and there will be a caucus meeting next year,” the Premier said.

When asked whether there would be a vote, Ms Palaszczuk said “that’s a matter for the Caucus”.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says there could be a calculated campaign to undermine her. Picture David Clark

Asked if she would consider calling a vote to end the leadership speculation, the Premier said: “No there’s due to be a meeting in February, that’s when the Caucus meets”.

She declined to speculate on who was behind the campaign to destabilise her leadership, but acknowledged “it could be” a deliberate attack.

“That’s a matter for them but the people of Queensland want our government focused on cost of living relief, which is exactly what we’re doing – focused on issues such as health and the issues that are going to be before the national cabinet on Wednesday,” she said.

Ms Palaszczuk also brushed off the comments from former Beattie and Goss government minister Bob Gibbs, who on Saturday told The Courier-Mail the Premier was “walking dead”.

“I was in primary school when Bob Gibbs was in Parliament,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“He has not been at state conferences, I haven’t seen him at national conferences, I don’t even know if he’s attended a branch meeting.”

Labor Party life member and former Beattie and Goss government minister Bob Gibbs. Photo: Supplied.

After almost nine years in office and three election victories, Ms Palaszczuk provided a slight insight into what it would take for her to stand down.

“I would make that decision if it was in the best interest of the people of this state,” she said.

However, she declined to elaborate on how she would measure that, declaring the factors “hypotheticals”.

“I’m very very busy … go have a look at my diaries,” she said.

Originally published as Annastacia Palaszczuk leadership pressure: Premier’s stunning admission over latest attack