Search starts for new LNP Groom candidate
TOOWOOMBA’S Liberal National Party members are scurrying to select a successor for John McVeigh. Here’s who it could be.
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TOOWOOMBA'S Liberal National Party members are scurrying to select a successor for Groom MP John McVeigh after he announced his resignation yesterday.
The seat is one of the Liberal National Party's safest seats in the country, with Dr McVeigh winning the seat with a 70.48 per cent of the two-party preferred vote at the 2019 election.
No party other than the Liberal Party, National Party or the merged LNP, has ever held the seat in its history.
Front runners for the LNP preselection could include Gabinbaar Homestead manager Isaac Moody, who challenged Dr McVeigh's preselection in 2018 over his same-sex marriage vote, and Councillor Nancy Sommerfield who is a prominent local LNP figure.
Both did not return The Chronicle's requests for comment.
Two high profile local party figures have already ruled out running for the seat.
Toowomba South MP David Janetzki succeeded Dr McVeigh in the state seat in 2016 after Dr McVeigh jumped to the Federal Parliament.
"My heart and soul is with Toowoomba South and I will not be standing for Groom preselection," Mr Janetzki said.
"All my efforts are going into the state election campaign ahead.
"I look forward to working with the new LNP candidate for Groom in due course."
State Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts also told The Chronicle he would not run for the seat.
"I am committed to the people of Toowoomba North, which is why I will not be seeking preselection for the federal seat of Groom," he said.
Both MPs paid tribute to Dr McVeigh and his service.
"John and the McVeigh family are deeply respected across the Darling Downs," Mr Janetzki said.
"I wish John and his family all the very best," Mr Watts said.
It's not yet known whether the Labor Party or other minor parties will run candidates at the by-election. No date has been set for the by-election.
The date will be announced by the Speaker of House of Representatives, Tony Smith, after he undertakes consultation with political parties, as set out by parliamentary guidelines and past precedent.
The Labor Party was contacted for comment.