Federal election 2022: LNP’s Ryan Shaw pulls out of race for Lilley

An army veteran and trained sniper vying for Queensland’s most marginal federal seat has pulled out of the race just months before the election.

An army veteran and trained sniper vying for Queensland’s most marginal federal seat has pulled out of the race just months before the election, citing the need to focus on his mental health.

Ryan Shaw, the LNP’s candidate for the inner Brisbane seat of Lilley, announced late today he had made the “difficult decision” to withdraw his candidacy.

“This campaign has been very tough for my family and me and I’m struggling with the effects of this on my mental health and PTSD. I need to take time away for the welfare of my family and me,” he said.

“I appreciate all of your support. I am forever grateful for all the hard work and tenacity that volunteers, party members and supporters put in to see their candidates in government.

Ryan Shaw (left) with Prime Minister Scott Morrison in Brisbane last May

“I look forward to supporting my successor in Lilley and doing all I can to help the LNP retain government.”

The seat of Lilley is held by Labor’s Anika Wells with a margin of 0.64 per cent.

Mr Shaw has been campaigning in the seat since April 2021 and has appeared alongside Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and senior cabinet ministers during their visits to the seat.

This is the second time in consecutive federal elections that the LNP has lost its candidate for Lilley, after Jim Lui pulled out in 2019.

A spokesman for the LNP said the party’s focus and priority was on Mr Shaw’s welfare.

Nominations for the seat have reopened.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling 1800 011 046

ADF Mental Health All-hours Support Line 1800 628 036

Lifeline Australia 13 11 14

Originally published as Federal election 2022: LNP’s Ryan Shaw pulls out of race for Lilley