Gold Coast politics: Moncrieff MP Steve Ciobo says a woman should succeed him in parliament

OUTGOING Federal Minister Steven Ciobo says a woman should replace him as the MP for the blue-ribbon seat of Moncrieff. Several leading Gold Coasters have already been named as favourites for the plum gig. FULL LIST OF FRONTRUNNERS

OUTGOING Federal Minister Steven Ciobo says a woman should replace him as the MP for the blue-ribbon seat of Moncrieff.

Mr Ciobo, who confirmed his retirement plan yesterday, will exit Parliament at the May election but has called on party members to back a female as potential candidates eye off contesting the prized LNP position.

Minister for Defence Industry and Federal Member for Moncrieff, Steven Ciobo announces his retirement. Picture: Jerad Williams

“I think it would be terrific in my seat if the party were to preselect a woman,” he told the Gold Coast Bulletin last night.

“That said though, it is party members’ decision and I would never usurp that decision.

“The party membership will no doubt select a person who will put forward the best and most compelling argument as to why they should have the privilege.”

Mr Ciobo in 2004

Mr Ciobo vowed to campaign alongside the candidate, whose opposition on polling day will include Labor’s Tracey Bell.

News of Mr Ciobo’s impending retirement yesterday sparked a flurry of interest from Liberal figures who are considering their options.

Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison with Steven Ciobo. Picture: Jerad Williams

Council planning boss Cr Cameron Caldwell is considered a frontrunner by some party operators, with Surfers Paradise state MP John-Paul Langbroek also mentioned. Robina councillor Hermann Vorster has ruled himself out.

Mr Langbroek last night did not rule out contesting the seat

Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and Steven Ciobo MP in 2004

“Not for the moment, it’s too early and I’m happy doing the job I’m doing,” he said.

“I will be interested to see what happens in the next few days and weeks.”

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, who Mr Ciobo backed in last year’s leadership spill, also ruled himself out of consideration, saying he would not switch seats from his marginal electorate of Dickson in north Brisbane.

Michael Johnson, Peter Dutton, Neil Andrew & Steven Ciobo in 2002

Karly Abbott, a lawyer, long-time LNP member and adviser to Mr Ciobo, is firming up as a likely candidate for the preselection, which will be held in coming weeks before the election is called in the first week of April after the Morrison Government brings down its early Budget on April 2.

The election is due to be held on either May 11 or May 18.

Steven Ciobo with wife Astra at Broadbeach when he was first elected.

Mr Ciobo, the outgoing Defence Industries Minister, has served under four Liberal prime ministers.

He was adamant the Morrison Government would win the election, despite languishing behind Labor in the polls for nearly three years.

Stuart Robert, Assistant Treasurer, Karen Andrews-Industry science and Technology, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Steven Ciobo, Minister for Defence Industry and Scott Buchholz-Assistant Minister for Raods and Transport at Government House in Canberra Picture Kym Smith

He talked up the Coalition returning the budget to surplus, funding for schools and hospitals and increased spending on defence.

“I believe we can and will win the next election. The basis of that belief is the face that, notwithstanding we have had ill-discipline on our side, but as a government we have performed strongly,” Mr Ciobo said.

Prime Minister John Howard on his morning walk with Steven Ciobo in 2004

“I absolutely believe the election will be about who can manage Australia’s economy.”

Mr Ciobo played a key role in last August’s shock leadership spill which saw him back Mr Dutton over long-time ally Malcolm Turnbull and, ultimately, the installation of Scott Morrison as Prime Minister.

Malcolm Turnbull with Steven Ciobo.

Despite failing in his own bid to become the party’s deputy leader, he had nothing but kind words for Mr Morrison but warned that the public had a low opinion of the state of politics.

“I think Scott is an excellent Prime Minister. He’s a man of strong conviction, he’s a man who is comfortable with showing leadership and I think he demonstrates he is in touch with the aspirations and values of everyday Aussies,” Mr Ciobo said.

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Steven Ciobo and Tony Abbott

“Public sentiment ebbs and flows and there can be no doubt many have dropped the ball.

“I think most people in politics are well intentioned and in it for the right reasons, and I say that including those across the aisle.”