By Jeremy Sollars
THE Queensland LNP has opened nominations for the seat of Southern Downs, following Lawrence Springborg’s announcement that he will not contest the next state election.
The announcement was made after the Free Times print deadline yesterday, Wednesday 7 December, following a statement earlier in the week by the LNP that they would open nominations for the seat in late January.
LNP state director Lincoln Folo said yesterday that with Mr Springborg having served his community for 27 years, the next LNP candidate for Southern Downs “has huge shoes to fill, and the LNP is expecting high quality applicants”.
“The selection process is rigorous and the candidate will be chosen by eligible members of the Southern Downs party unit,” Mr Folo said.
“Completed applications should be submitted by 5pm Monday, 16 January 2017.”
Mr Folo said “prospective candidates” should contact LNP state party secretary Angela Awabdy for an application form on (07) 3844 0666 or via email preselection@lnp.org.au
It is understood two possible contenders could be current Southern Downs councillor Cameron Gow and Goondiwindi councillor Rob McKenzie, who are both current LNP members.
One Nation has said it would announce its candidate for Southern Downs next Thursday 15 December, which may have prompted the call for LNP nominations to be opened this week.
The next Queensland State Election is due in January 2018 but there is widespread speculation Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk could call a snap poll in early 2017 in an attempt to counter the rising popularity of One Nation in Queensland.
Mr Springborg has refused to rule out running for the Senate at the next Federal election.
More updates to follow online.
