Scott vacates LNP run
A TOWNSVILLE political frontrunner has ruled herself out of contention at the upcoming state election, as Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington declares game on for seats in the region.
Former LNP candidate for Townsville Casie Scott has confirmed she will not run in the 2020 state election.
Townsville MP Scott Stewart won the seat by just 214 votes, making the city seat the most marginal in Queensland.
Ms Scott, who spearheaded Herbert MP Phillip Thompson’s successful federal election campaign, said there were a number of factors that led to the decision.
“My family has faced a number of serious challenges this year and my focus needs to remain unreservedly on navigating those issues,” she said. “I have the most amazing, delightful five-year-old daughter and ensuring she is a happy, healthy and well-adjusted little girl is my primary focus.
“The decision not to run is not a decision I have made lightly, particularly when the margin was so close last time in turning a safe Labor seat into the most marginal seat in Queensland.”
Ms Scott said it had been a “long road back” financially after she had to remortgage her home when she ran in 2017 and volunteered 12 months of her time to the campaign.
“I have no doubt that we will see some great new talent come through and that is why I’ve decided to confirm now that I won’t be running,” she said. “I want to ensure there is enough time and clear air for somebody exceptional to put their hand up and take the baton.”
Ms Frecklington, in her speech at the LNP convention in Brisbane yesterday, declared it was game on in the seats of Townsville and Mundingburra.
Nominations for LNP candidates in those seats will open next week.
She said there would be “no deals with other parties” and “no compromises”.
The LNP will also run a candidate in the seat of Whitsunday, held by independent MP Jason Costigan.
The seat of Mirani, held by One Nation MP Steven Andrew, will also be contested by the LNP.
“We will show Queenslanders that we are the only choice come October next year,” Ms Frecklington said.