Steven Miles set to run unopposed for Queensland Labor leadership despite election loss
Former Queensland premier Steven Miles looks set to run unopposed to lead the Labor party at their first caucus meeting since losing the state election.
Mr Miles confirmed he will nominate himself to lead the opposition in the next term of parliament when the Labor caucus meets on Tuesday and is expected to be voted in unanimously.
“I think you saw during the campaign just how I intend to hold (Premier) David Crisafulli to account, and that’s the kind of opposition leader I will be,” he told reporters.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“That’s my job now, is to hold this new government to account.”
Mr Crisafulli led the Liberal National Party to its first state election victory in nine years.
In confirming his candidacy for the Labor leadership, Mr Miles took a swipe at the LNP and the “fresh start” they promised to deliver Queensladners.
“They’ve broken five promises in their first five or six days, they don’t look very much like a fresh start to me,” he said.
Mr Miles will support former deputy premier Cameron Dick to remain his right-hand man as deputy Labor leader.
“He’s been a good and strong deputy leader to me,” Mr Miles said.
He flagged there would be significant changes to the shadow cabinet and MPs could expect a portfolio reshuffle.
“We had a very significant refresh less than 12 months ago,” he said.
“I had a chance during the campaign to show Queenslanders who I am and what I stand for, and I’ll continue to do that for these next four years.”
Despite promising a shake-up, he said ther was “no doubt” former health minister Shannon Fentiman would play a “very senior role” in the opposition cabinet.
None of Labor’s current members have served in opposition before.
Votes are still being counted but the LNP is expected to hold a majority with 53 seats while Labor will have 35.
Three seats are still being finalised, with the LNP’s Amanda Cooper narrowly leading Aspley as Labor’s Bart Mellish appears set to lose his seat.
The LNP’s Terry James is leading in the seat of Mulgrave ahead of Labor’s Richie Bates who took over from retiring MP and former speaker Curtis Pitt.
South Brisbane looks set to change to Labor’s Barbara O’Shea with incumbent Greens member Amy MacMahon trailing in the polls.
The crossbench will be occupied by three Katter’s Australian Party members, one independent and one Green.
