Last fails in bid for deputy role

HE missed out on a leadership role within the LNP, but Dale Last has vowed to “fight tooth and nail” for North Queensland regardless.

Mr Last was one of four members jostling for the role of deputy leader after former number two Tim Mander stepped down following the party’s brutal election loss.

The incumbent MP is now in his third term representing the Burdekin electorate and is one of only two MPS elected north of Bundaberg for the LNP.

In a party room meeting yesterday at Parliament House in Brisbane, former Mundingburra representative

David Crisafulli was elected unopposed as the new leader of the LNP.

Shadow Attorney-general and Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki was named the party’s deputy leader, after he saw off challenges from Mr Last, Steve Minnikin and Christian Rowan.

Both leaders represent electorates firmly within the southeast corner.

When asked about the party’s perceived turn away from its Nationals base in regional Queensland, Mr Last said the party traditionally bounced between Liberal and National leaders in the past.

“I respect the vote in the party room. We’re now a single entity,” he said.

“I still maintain, I think for balance, you’re better to have one regional member and one city-based member.

“As I said when I chose to nominate for deputy leader, regional Queensland and

North Queensland in particular needs a strong voice in the shadow cabinet.

“What is important now is for each and every LNP MP to start working for their electorate and for Queenslanders in every part of the state. We need to connect with people, listen to their concerns and aspirations and make sure t that, every single day, we are fighting to make their lives better.” It is unclear if Mr Last managed to earn a role in Mr Crisafulli’s shadow cabinet or who else is expected to secure portfolios. Mr Last said he and newly elected Whitsunday MP Amanda Cam were “up for the challenge” of fighting for the region’s fair share of infrastructure and services. “I was the only LNP member (north of Bundaberg) in the previous parliamentary term,” he said.

“We’ll be and nail.” fighting tooth