LNP seeks two recounts but numbers stack up for new leader Crisafulli
Gold Coast MP David Crisafulli has been elected leader of the Liberal National Party – and a diminished opposition.
Former LNP leader Deb Frecklington with likely new leader David Crisafulli.
MPs endorsed Crisafulli, and voted for Toowoomba MP David Janetzki to be his deputy, in a party-room meeting this morning. It came as the LNP called for a recount in the seats of Bundaberg and Nicklin, which Labor won by 11 and 79 votes respectively.
In a show of unity, former opposition leader Deb Frecklington – unsuccessful in her first attempt to lead the LNP to victory – accompanied Crisafulli into the meeting. There were fewer MPs than before the election, however the final numbers have yet to be confirmed.
“We are smaller in number but the fire burns,” Crisafulli reportedly told his colleagues.
Labor has not appealed the close result in Currumbin or Burleigh, however, the LNP won those seats with a slightly larger margin. In all seats, the Electoral Commission of Queensland has confidence in the integrity of the count but will conduct the recounts in the interests of transparency.
“It is in the public interest for all stakeholders to have absolute confidence in the results of the electoral process,” Electoral Commissioner Pat Vidgen said in a statement.
“The LNP has made a formal request for the recounts and the ECQ has agreed to this request.”
ECQ teams in Bundaberg and Nicklin will begin recounting tens of thousands of votes today, with observers and scrutineers watching on.
While the LNP would like to pick up a seat or two, the Crisafulli-led opposition will focus on allocating front-bench portfolios to take on the Palaszczuk government ahead of the resumption of parliament next month.
Cabinet ministers were being sworn in at Government House today as the opposition members met at Parliament House.