Last confirms deputy leader tilt, claims victory in Burdekin
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BURDEKIN MP Dale Last has confirmed he will nominate for the deputy leader position of Queensland LNP, while also claiming victory in his seat.
This has left the door open for several MPs to jostle for the deputy role.
Mr Last has voiced his support for a three-person leadership team within the party.
"At the next LNP party room meeting, I will be nominating for the position of deputy leader of the Queensland LNP," he said in a statement.
"This is not a decision I have taken lightly but, for the benefit of the whole state, Queensland needs a senior voice from the regions.
"Given that, before the election, the Labor government had a three person leadership team, I think it is only appropriate that the LNP ensures that a regional representative not only has a strong voice in shadow cabinet but a senior leadership role."
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Mr Last is the LNP's only senior state MP north of Bundaberg.
In his statement, Mr Last also declared victory in his seat, going against the standard process of allowing the challenger, Mike Brunker, to concede defeat first.
"With almost 80 per cent of the vote now officially counted, it is clear that the people of the Burdekin electorate have again put their faith in me to represent them," he said.
"It is an honour to represent such a diverse electorate and my commitment is that I will fight for them for the next four years.
"My intention was to allow my competitors to acknowledge the will of the people but, seeing that is something they choose not to do, I am happy to claim the seat."
Mr Last went on to thank his family, supporters and volunteers for their efforts throughout the campaign.
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