Brisbane surgeon Anthony Lynham says he has a history of “taking it up to” Premier Campbell Newman, a tradition he has vowed to continue if he wins the seat of Stafford for the ALP., Source: News Corp Australia
THE ALP’S candidate for the Brisbane seat vacated by maverick former government MP Chris Davis has vowed to be a thorn in Premier Campbell Newman’s side if he’s elected.
But maxillofacial surgeon Dr Anthony Lynham is playing down his chances of winning Stafford, an electorate devoid of representation after Dr Davis quit parliament yesterday.
His dramatic departure means the LNP is facing a by-election battle just three months after suffering a 17 per cent swing against it in the Redcliffe poll.
However, Dr Lynham says winning Stafford won’t be a cakewalk.
“We are not taking anything for granted, we have to earn it,’’ he told AAP while campaigning today.
As an anti-violence campaigner, Dr Lynham says he’s already taken Mr Newman to task and will up the ante if he enters parliament.
“I have a proven track record of standing up to Newman,’’ he said.
Dr Chris Davis has quit parliament, sparking a by-election for the Brisbane seat of Stafford.
“The people of Stafford need someone desperately to stand up to Newman on health and education.
“I will be a thorn in his side.’’
Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk has already promised to give Dr Lynham a senior position if he’s elected, but she’s also downplayed her party’s chances of regaining Stafford, which the LNP holds by a 7.1 per cent margin.
Ms Palaszczuk says Dr Davis’ resignation was a vote of no confidence in Mr Newman’s leadership and has called on the premier to immediately announce a by-election date.
Dr Davis said he was partly demoted because he raised concerns with the premier about looming changes to political donations.
He was sacked as assistant health minister a week earlier after clashing with colleagues over the proposed individual contracts and changes to the state’s corruption watchdog.
Maverick quits 1:46
Campbell Newman has lost another backbencher with maverick MP Chris Davis suddenly quitting politics prompting a by-election in the seat of Stafford.
- TEN
- 15 May 2014
- News
At the time of his resignation, Dr Davis released polling showing most voters in his Stafford electorate backed him and believed he had been unfairly treated.
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