December 3, 2016
The “father” of the merger between the National Party and Liberal Party in Queensland, Lawrence Springborg, announced on Saturday that he would not contest the next State election.
The 48-year-old LNP Member for Southern Downs has served as a Queensland MP for 27 years, first in the seat of Carnarvon, which was abolished, and then Southern Downs.
During his career, Mr Springborg served as Health Minister, Natural Resources Minister, Deputy Opposition Leader and Opposition Leader.
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls, who replaced Mr Springborg as Opposition Leader in May this year, paid tribute to his former rival.
“I would like to personally thank Lawrence Springborg for his enormous contribution to Queensland’s public and political life,” Mr Nicholls said.
“From his earliest days he would walk hours to attend branch meetings.
“His election at the age of 21 to the seat of Carnarvon, through to his leadership of the party to three hard-fought State elections and his pivotal role in the formation of the Queensland Liberal-National Party – Lawrence’s passion, dedication and commitment to Queensland has rarely been rivalled.
“Over the many years I have known him he has been both a mentor and a friend of great integrity.
“He has sacrificed an enormous amount of family life in order to serve the people of Queensland and on their behalf, and ours, I thank him, Linda, Megan, Jens, Laura and Thomas.
“I look forward to working alongside Lawrence as he continues to strongly represent the people of Southern Downs and be part of the team that is determined to see the LNP returned to government at the next election.”
Deputy Opposition Leader and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington thanked Mr Springborg via Twitter.
“Thanks to Lawrence Springborg for your 27 years of dedication to serving Queensland and inspiring me to join the LNP,” she wrote.
