Community leaders, former MP, seek LNP preselection for Cook as Queensland by-elections stall process

By-elections in south east Queensland are slowing the LNP’s plans to launch their Far North candidate in a key electorate ahead of October’s state election.

Lawyer David Kempton is seeking to run for the LNP in the seat of Cook. Mr Kempton lost to Billy Gordon in 2015.

By-elections in south east Queensland are slowing the LNP’s plans to launch their Far North candidate in a key electorate ahead of October’s state election.

The sudden resignations of Labor MP Jim Madden and former Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk have triggered two by-elections for March, with key resources devoted to campaigns in the Ipswich West and Inala electorates.

Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden has resigned with two by-elections to be held in south east Queensland this March. NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

The shock exits have stalled plans to announce the Coalition’s next candidate for Cook with a three-horse race emerging for the state’s most northern seat.

It’s understood former MP David Kempton, Douglas mayor Michael Kerr and Mareeba deputy mayor Kevin Davies have nominated for LNP preselection.

Mr Kempton won the seat in 2012 and served as Assistant Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs in the Newman government before losing to Labor’s Billy Gordon in 2015.

Douglas Shire mayor Michael Kerr has entered the LNP’s preselection process to run for Coook at the next state election in October.

He’ll face stiff competition in Mr Kerr, who is Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils’ (FNQROC) chair and Mr Davies, a councillor with 25 years experience working in local government.

Mareeba deputy mayor Kevin Davies has entered the race to become the LNP’s candidate for Cook at the upcoming state election.

But the trio have yet to complete the party’s rigorous vetting process with no clear timeline in place.

The eventual winner will join Katter’s Australia Party (KAP) contender Bruce Logan who announced his candidacy late last year.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui has confirmed she will seek re-election in 2024. Picture: Kristina Puljak

The candidates are expected to take on sitting MP Cynthia Lui, who will be seeking her third win.

“I enjoy working hard for my communities, to make positive changes, big and small, for the groups, businesses and people that make Cook such a wonderful place to live and work,” Ms Lui said.

“We all deserve access to the best education, health services, infrastructure and economic opportunities, whether we live in Mareeba, Port Douglas, Lockhart River or the Torres Strait.

“My goal heading into the next election is to continue to strive and advocate for my communities and to represent their best interests.”

Ms Lui made history in 2017 becoming the first Torres Strait Islander to be elected to Queensland Parliament.

In Barron River, Bree James will contest the bellwether seat for the Coalition while Yolonde Entsch is poised to challenge Labor incumbent Michael Healy in Cairns.

LNP nominations for Mulgrave are expected to be called after the local government elections on March 16.

A KAP spokesperson confirmed the party intends to run candidates in Mulgrave, Cairns and Barron River.

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch says he is paying close attention to the LNP preselection process in Far North Queensland. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said he had been watching the Cook preselection process closely but was reluctant to endorse a candidate.

“I think there are some excellent candidates but I want to see the whole field,” Mr Entsch said.

“The preselection process is still open and I want to see who throws their hat in the ring.”

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford and Member for Mulgrave Curtis Pitt will seek re-election.

The 2024 state government election is scheduled to be held on October 26.

Originally published as Community leaders, former MP, seek LNP preselection for Cook as Queensland by-elections stall process