Premier’s blessing for Miles turns into a curse

As Acting Premier we’re used to a relaxed and comfortable Steven Miles – what we got on his first day on the job was anything but.

Annastacia Palaszczuk’s blessing of Steven Miles to succeed her has turned into a curse.

In choosing to walk away from the top job as Tropical Cyclone Jasper approached, Ms Palaszczuk handed the “steadfast” Mr Miles a golden opportunity to show how he’d lead Queensland.

Yet the relaxed and jovial Mr Miles we’ve previously witnessed as acting premier was nowhere to be seen on Monday during his first performance at the Queensland Disaster Management Centre.

He appeared exhausted and agitated, telling gathered reporters he wouldn’t answer leadership questions and only speak about the cyclone – which notably remained 24 hours away from the coast.

In contrast, a fresh and energetic Shannon Fentiman appeared three hours later to position herself as the natural successor as Premier and lay out her plans for better government.

Ms Fentiman uttered the word “renewal” eight times in her press conference.

It appears the advantage Ms Palaszczuk sought for her loyal deputy by making the shock announcement is backfiring.

Mr Miles was caught flat-footed on Sunday when party rivals made it clear his path to the top job wouldn’t be smooth.

As the de facto acting premier in the midst of a natural disaster, Mr Miles is saddled with the heavy baggage of government, the need to appear statesmanlike and resisting the temptation to speak about the almighty leadership battle.

Ms Fentiman can distance herself from the crime and housing problems that have dragged the government closer towards electoral defeat and instead promise change.

She still faces a herculean task to stage a come-from-behind win, with some in the Labor Right gagging at the suggestion of doing a deal with her.

Ms Fentiman has been able to convince enough of her colleagues to consider who is best placed to win the next election.

First someone has to win the leadership contest.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles on Monday. Picture: David Clark/NCA NewsWire

Originally published as Premier’s blessing for Miles turns into a curse