'Dragged to Townsville': Jann Stuckey's tipping point to shock Currumbin resignation

Few of Jann Stuckey’s Gold Coast colleagues knew the reason for her sudden retirement - but the Currumbin MP was having a tough time long before she reached her tipping point. 

IT says a lot about how isolated politicians can become when so few of Jann Stuckey’s Gold Coast colleagues knew the reason for her sudden retirement.

MPs are invited to several functions each day, their diary is full, but really how many of them can confide in close political friends about their deteriorating health?

JANN STUCKEY RESIGNS, REVEALS BATTLE WITH DEPRESSION

Jann Stuckey leaving State Parliament. (AAP image, John Gass)

Ms Stuckey released a stunning statement on Wednesday night admitting she had been “swamped” by “the black cloud” after “bullying, personal attacks and insults” over recent months.

In political circles, everyone was pointing fingers. Was the bullying from Labor calling her “sad Jann” recently in Parliament, or was it within her own party for crossing the floor on an abortion bill or speaking out after it failed to endorse her favoured successor?

The veteran Currumbin MP is no shrinking violet. She has been renowned for her volatility during 16 years in politics. What was the trigger for her decision to retire now?

Numerous sources suggested she was always going to pull the pin early. Labor believed it and pre-selected a strong candidate, Parents and Citizens Association leader Kaylee Campradt, in October last year.

Labor candidate for Currumbin, Kaylee Campradt. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

A month earlier, Ms Stuckey had a torrid time. “I’m not on the ground. I’ve been dragged up to Townsville,” she said, as Parliament moved north. Labor kept repeating her words.

A colleague of Ms Stuckey yesterday said: “I think that (Townsville) was the tipping point. It was a really tough time for her. She was in a bad way.”

The other factor was stopping the SandTunes concert on the beach at Currumbin. “I got a government email that blasted Jann for cancelling the concert on the beach,” a colleague says.

After a car accident years ago, Ms Stuckey is now dealing with a bulging disc which prevents her from sitting for a long period of time. What is certain, her health challenges are very real.