By Jeremy Sollars
A MYSTERY independent candidate for Southern Downs at the next state election could see a potentially explosive result in the until now safe LNP seat.
The Free Times has learned a local person of significant profile is considering running as an independent in the state poll and would allocate their preferences to One Nation.
If true – and depending on the overall election result – the development could see Southern Downs go from being one of the safest LNP state electorates in Queensland to being considered marginal and therefore more likely to receive a greater share of State Government funding than has been the case in the past.
Veteran Southern Downs MP Lawrence Springborg announced in early December he would not stand again in the seat and is tipped to have a run at the senate at the next federal election due in July 2019.
As reported online this week in the Free Times, One Nation had expected to announce their candidate for Southern Downs last weekend, along with more than 30 others to contest mainly regional and rural seats for the party at the next state election.
But their endorsed candidate – who a One Nation spokesman declined to name – withdrew at the last minute.
The One Nation spokesman said the candidate had decided “now wasn’t the right time” and hinted whoever it was was more interested in running for the council in the future.
He said One Nation expected to announce their new candidate “by the end of January”.
Pauline Hanson has already lost one of her Queensland candidates announced last weekend, with Andy Semple, who was to stand for the Gold Coast seat of Currumbin, pulling out on Tuesday due to controversial comments on Twitter.
The next state election is due in January 2018 but many are tipping an early poll, possibly as early as February next year, with both the LNP State Opposition and the minority Palaszczuk ALP government spooked over One Nation’s surge in popularity.
Local political sources have told the Free Times the independent candidate is a strong possibility to run but would not divulge their identity at this stage.
One Nation is expected to perform well in regional seats – including long-term LNP strongholds like Southern Downs – and a strong vote here coupled with a flow of preferences from an independent could throw the whole result locally right out into the open.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson predicted on ABC Radio this week Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk could call an election as early as February out of fear for her party’s growing support.
“I think they’ll (Labor) be panicking about the support that One Nation is getting around the state,“ Ms Hanson told ABC radio on Monday when asked to explain her prediction of a February election announcement.
The LNP has opened nominations for their Southern Downs candidate, which close on January 16.
Sitting Southern Downs councillor Cameron Gow has been a strong tip, along with Goondiwindi councillor Rob McKenzie, with both current LNP members.
The ALP and the Greens have said they will announce their candidates early in 2017.
