Currumbin by-election 2020: Former MP Jann Stuckey quits LNP

Former MP Jann Stuckey has made a shock move ahead of the Currumbin by-election, saying she feels “deceived” and “disrespected”.

FORMER MP Jann Stuckey has revealed she has quit the LNP just 10 days out from the controversial Currumbin by-election.

Ms Stuckey resigned as the Member for Currumbin in January citing “ridicule and abuse” and a struggle with mental health.

In a release today she announced she and husband Richard had both resigned from the LNP “after 22 years of dedicated service”.

“Neither of us can forgive the LNP for cutting us and our loyal long-serving branch members out of any talks about a suitable candidate for Currumbin, or for parachuting in a total stranger,” she wrote.

Ms Stuckey has quit the LNP. Picture: Jerad Williams

“The LNP decided to preselect a completely unknown candidate behind closed doors in January. Our views were not wanted or sought.”

LNP candidate Laura Gerber, who officially launched her campaign earlier this month, was announced as the party’s candidate following Ms Stuckey’s departure.

It has been a source of contention within the party after leaked emails revealed a behind-the-scenes war between LNP state president David Hutchinson and Currumbin branch president Chris Crawford, who said members were furious over the decision.

Today Ms Stuckey said she would not support Ms Gerber.

“We cannot blindly promote or vote for someone we’d never met,” she said.

“We feel deceived, treated with disrespect, and taken for granted. To stay (in the party) would mean we condone this behaviour.

“This just doesn’t pass the pub test.”

She also took aim at state leader Deb Frecklington, who she claims has not contacted her to offer support.

She cited mental health concerns before her resignation. Picture: AAP.

“I am still waiting for her to answer the simple question,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Why didn’t she once pick up the phone and talk to me, as the sitting member for 16 years, before this unknown candidate was chosen? That’s not leadership.”

Ms Frecklington has denied allegations she didn’t contact Ms Stuckey, and told the Bulletin she has continued to support her over the past year.

“Jann is clearly unwell and out of respect for her battle with mental illness, I won’t be commenting further,” she said.

“This by-election is a choice between the LNP’s plan for Queensland or more Labor failure.

“The Gold Coast needs an M1 that moves, more jobs, better schools and health services and action to cut crime and that is my focus.

“Laura Gerber is an outstanding candidate and will be a strong local voice in Parliament.”

Ms Stuckey maintains none of her state colleagues, “except Mark Boothman”, had been in contact.

Laura Gerber is now the LNP candidate. Picture: Adam Head.

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“I have always stood up for our community and what’s best for ‘our patch’ ahead of my political party,” she said.

“And I’ve always stood on strong principles. Once this by-election is over I can focus on getting well without the negative triggers associated with belonging to a political party that is insensitive and out of touch.”