Emerson concedes defeat

OPPOSITION spokesman for Treasury Scott Emerson has reluctantly conceded defeat in the inner-city seat of Maiwar in a savage blow to the LNP, as Annastacia Palaszczuk nudges closer to forming government.

Regarded as one of the LNP’s top performers, Mr Emerson took to Twitter yesterday to concede he was out of the race. The Greens’ Michael Berkman and Labor’s Ali King will now fight it out.

Mirani gun dealer and pest controller Stephen Andrew looks to have finally secured One Nation’s first elected seat in the Queensland Parliament since 2009.

But the seat of Mirani – formerly held by Labor stalwart Jim Pearce – is likely to be the party’s only success.

Katter’s Australian Party is on track to secure coveted party status, which will see it allocated extra resources and staff by the Parliament, along with pay rises for their expected three members.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls has declared Ms Palaszczuk should make him Premier should she fall short of the 47 seats needed to govern in her own right.

Speaking publicly for the first time since election night, Mr Nicholls yesterday said Ms Palaszczuk had been acting “arrogant” since the election and needed to follow through on her “no deals” pledge.

Standing alongside deputy, Deb Frecklington – a contender to take over as LNP leader – Mr Nicholls brushed off leadership speculation saying the election “is not over yet.” Last night there were still eight seats in doubt.