Gold Coast Federal Minister Steven Ciobo quitting politics

EXCLUSIVE: GOLD Coast Federal Cabinet Minister Steven Ciobo has confirmed to the Bulletin today he is quitting politics after 17 years as an MP - find out why.

GOLD Coast Federal Cabinet Minister Steven Ciobo is quitting politics after 17 years as an MP saying it is time for a new challenge.

Mr Ciobo, 44, has confirmed to the Bulletin today he will not seek re-selection in his rock-solid seat of Moncrieff at the upcoming election and today resigned his Cabinet role as Defence Industry Minister.

Federal Coalition Minister for Defence Industry and Federal Member for Moncrieff, Steven Ciobo, confirms to the Bulletin today he is not going to stand at the upcoming election after 17 years as an MP. Picture: Jerad Williams

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In his first comments after mounting speculation he would be next to follow ex-Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in standing down, he said: “After three years as Cabinet Minister, six years as a Minister, 10 years as a frontbencher in Opposition and Government and 17 years as an MP, it’s time for me to move on to the next challenge.

“I’ve always said I’m not a time server, politics for me has always been about being a means not an ends. I have had the incredible privilege of serving in Cabinet and as a representative for the area and I’m so grateful for having had that opportunity.”

Steven Ciobo: “It’s time for me to move on to the next challenge.” Picture: Jerad Williams

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Mr Ciobo confirmed he had informed Prime Minister Scott Morrison about two weeks ago he would not stand again - and said today he had tendered his resignation as Defence Industry Minister.

He would stay on as a backbench MP until the election.

Mr Ciobo told the Bulletin this afternoon: “Because (Defence Minister) Chris (Pyne) is not recontesting as well it is critical we have continuity in defence and with both of us not recontesting, I felt the honourable thing to do was offer the Prime Minister my resignation so he can appoint a replacement Minister and retain continuity in the portfolio.”

For the full interview and story on Mr Ciobo’s political retirement plan, see tomorrow’s Gold Coast Bulletin.