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While some Labor figures suggested on Sunday, and in the past, that MPs would likely come to a decision themselves to avoid the first state leadership contest in four decades, those with long-bubbling frustrations hoping to see a fresh look and direction for the party now have the chance.
Palaszczuk’s decision to resign from her Labor heartland seat of Inala by the end of the month – held with a margin of 28.2 per cent – will also trigger a byelection early next year ahead of the general election in late October.
While declining voter support for Labor steadied in the latest polling for Brisbane Times last week amid a further decline in Palaszczuk’s personal popularity, the LNP retained a four percentage point lead on primary vote support.
Despite Opposition Leader David Crisafulli still being unknown by more than a third of voters, and almost as many being undecided about who they would prefer as premier, his lead against Palaszczuk on that question grew.
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Palaszczuk suggested this week there had been a strategy to destabilise her leadership. The head of the state’s peak union body also spoke of “disquiet” in the movement.
Speaking through tears on Sunday, Palaszczuk said standing up for Queenslanders had been the honour of her life.
“I don’t believe anyone who comes after me will know how humbling it is to travel this state and meet so many amazing people,” she said.
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