Speculation about Gold Coast MP’s future as Labor tries to divide the LNP

Broadwater MP David Crisafulli has been challenged about whether he is planning to make a bid for the leadership of the LNP amid accusations he is “doing the numbers behind the scenes”.

Deb Frecklington and David Crisafulli at parliament. Picture: Peter Wallis

GOLD Coast MP David Crisafulli is being confronted with increasing speculation that he will make a bid for the LNP leadership.

The Palaszczuk Government – during sittings in state parliament this week – has continued to bait the Broadwater MP about his political ambitions.

The former local government minister caused a stir by toppling LNP MP Verity Barton in a tough preselection battle after relocating to Hope Island having lost his north Queensland seat.

Member for Broadwater David Crisafulli at parliament in Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston.

Tourism Minister Kate Jones, when asked a lame question today about the success of the tourism industry, unloaded on Mr Crisafulli, increasing rumours that he was counting the numbers for a spill against LNP leader Deb Frecklington.

Mr Crisafulli outside the parliament was critical of Labor’s political games.

“If the Minister spent half as much time giving certainty to facilitate new tourism offerings for the Coast as she does with trying to create political mischief, our economy would be much better off,” he said.

Kate Jones speaks during Question Time at Parliament House in Brisbane. Picture: AAP

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Ms Jones in the parliament had talked about the new Big Melon tourist attraction in Chinchilla.

“We know that no matter where you go in Queensland you can see big things. You can go to the Sunshine Coast to see the Big Pineapple. You can go to Bowen to see the Big Mango,” Ms Jones said.

“You can go to Noosaville to see the Big Pelican and Gayndah to see the Big Orange … when you go to Rocky the first thing you see is the Big Bulls. You can go to Gladstone to see the Big Crab.

“They have the Big Melon all lined up for the big festival next year, but we are waiting to see

whether the member for Broadwater is going to make his big move.

“Whether next year the Leader of the Opposition will be still sitting in the big chair when we all come back after our big break.”

State Development Cameron Dick reminded MPs that Mr Crisafulli had “got his big billboard up”.

David Crisafulli at Surfers Paradise. Picture: Jerad Williams

Mr Crisafulli interjected but Ms Jones continued, talking about him leaving Townsville.

“We know he has a big mouth, but does he have enough to make the big move,” she said.

“We all know that he wants to be the big kahuna in this House. He is doing the numbers behind the scenes. Is his list quite big enough yet. We will wait to see.”

Ms Jones challenged Opposition MPs on whether Ms Frecklington would be in the “big chair” on the return from the Christmas-New Year holiday.

“My money is on the member for Broadwater making the big move,” she said.

“They are not happy with the polling. They know it is going in one direction. They know it is going backwards. In reality, the boys are a bit of a drag on poor Deb’s ticket unfortunately. Watch your back … because the man from Broadwater is coming for you.”