Queensland election results 2017: Labor mulls make-up of its new Cabinet as it stays on track for victory

ANNASTACIA Palaszczuk remains on track to claim victory with the majority she had asked voters to deliver, with at least 47 seats likely to fall the party’s way.

ANNASTACIA Palaszczuk remains on track to claim victory with the majority she had asked voters to deliver, with at least 47 seats likely to fall the party’s way.

But as Labor mulls the make-up of its new Cabinet, the Liberal National Party will wait until all its likely seats have been declared before it holds a party room meeting to decide who will lead it from the Opposition benches for the next three years.

The Courier-Mail understands LNP MPs held a teleconference yesterday afternoon and decided to wait until all MPs were known before a likely leadership ballot is held.

“We want to make sure everyone has a say,” an MP said of the decision.

It comes as phone calls continue between MPs over who might take over the reins from LNP Leader Tim Nicholls following the party’s loss at last weekend’s election.

Favourites remain Tim Mander, current Deputy Leader Deb Frecklington, David Crisafulli and John-Paul Langbroek.

It is understood a core group of MPs is also advocating for Mr Nicholls to remain in the role.

Mr Nicholls is yet to declare his hand on the issue, however.

He has continually insisted any leadership discussion was premature given all votes have not yet been counted following the November 25 election.

But several of his parliamentary colleagues are advocating for change with the party reeling from the loss of several southeast Queensland MPs including Opposition frontbenchers Scott Emerson, Ian Walker, Tracy Davis and Tarnya Smith.

There is also disappointment over the failure of the LNP to wrest a swag of seats from Labor in the bush.

Neither Mr Nicholls nor Annastacia Palaszczuk fronted the media yesterday as counting continued, with several seats considered too close to call.

Labor MPs were yesterday anticipating a caucus meeting would be held as early as next week to decide the new Cabinet.

Current predictions have Labor winning 47 seats. It was understood Labor was also back in front in the seat of Townsville yesterday afternoon.

The seat still remains too close to call, however.

Several changes are likely with Deputy Premier Jackie Trad remaining the favourite to take over the Treasury portfolio.

Health Minister Cameron Dick is also tipped to be handed an economic portfolio.

Originally published as Queensland election results 2017: Labor mulls make-up of its new Cabinet as it stays on track for victory