Former LNP MP Chris Davis applies to join ALP

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Former Queensland Government MP Chris Davis has put in a membership application to join the Labor Party, less than 24 hours after resigning from the LNP.

Dr Davis ended his membership with the LNP on Friday and applied to become a member of the Labor Party on Saturday.

The former assistant health minister told the ABC’s 7.30 program on Friday he wanted to resume his political career with Labor.

The LNP suffered a massive by-election defeat in the Brisbane seat of Stafford last weekend after Dr Davis resigned from the seat in May.

“I have joined a party that is committed to listening to the people of Queensland and clearly got feedback last weekend in Stafford,” he said.

“I think it is vital to show support of a party that will do that.”

Dr Davis said he wanted to help restore confidence and undo the damage caused to the hospital system by the LNP.

“To reverse the great decline in morale, over 1,500 doctors joining a union when they got the message that they were all expendable and could easily be replaced … that was very poor judgment on behalf of the Government,” he said.

“The public exhibited much better judgment.”

Dr Davis told 7.30 he was in talks with Labor about the possibility of running in Premier Campbell Newman’s seat of Ashgrove.

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk yesterday ruled out Dr Davis as a candidate in Ashgrove, saying she had been talking with Labor’s former member Kate Jones about running in the electorate.

Dr Davis says he will consider federal politics if he is not chosen for a state seat with the ALP.

“It really doesn’t matter where the opportunity presents, the whole picture needs to be addressed,” he said.

“There is a great deal of overlap between both state and federal healthcare arrangements. I know that some people are talking of simplifying that.”