WHO ARE YOU CALLING OLD? JPL HITS BACK
SENIOR Gold Coast LNP Member John-Paul Langbroek is staring down criticism – from within his own party -– that he’s among older MPs who’ve “done their dash”.
After Saturday’s State poll which has left Labor confident of a majority, LNP sources said the party needed “fresh blood” and senior MPs like Mr Langbroek were no longer effective.
But the 56-year-old, re-elected in Surfers Paradise for a sixth term with a big majority, yesterday challenged anyone to try and unseat him.
“I’m 56 not 86 and I’m here for another term. They are welcome to come and challenge me for preselection,” Mr Langbroek said.
“I have a quote on the wall behind me from Theodore Roosevelt that it’s not the critic who counts. I’m in there, I’m doing it, my electorate has re-endorsed me and anyone from the LNP or anyone else can have a go and I will see them off.”
His seat is among the safest in Queensland and he stormed home on Saturday with 64.3 per cent of first preference votes.
His nearest challenger was Labor’s Tony Walker with 22.5 per cent.
“When I first nominated (in the early 2000s) they said you’ll never win it, and when I lost they said you’ll never win it,” Mr Langbroek said.
“But I kept working, I became the Chamber of Commerce president, I kept doorknocking.
“The Liberal party at that stage said we’re trying to win 10 seats and yours is not one of them and it has become the safest Liberal seat.
“I’ve made it the safest seat through my connection with the electorate and what I stand for – it’s all very well to be an armchair expert and a Monday morning quarterback.”
Mr Langbroek said he supported renewal and boosting party ranks but the former dentist made it clear he wouldn’t be going anywhere any time soon.
“I welcome young people into my group of LNP because I want to bring them through – my younger staffers, I’ve encouraged them, saying learn at my feet but I want you to one day take my place in terms of skills and ability and relating to people.”
Rising LNP star David Crisafulli, who romped home in Broadwater, said he considered Mr Langbroek a key member who helped LNP’s mix of youth and experience.