Newman defiant as election day looms

Premier Campbell Newman says the Liberal Nationals won't be re-elected unless he is, while the treasurer says that scenario is a "matter for the pundits".

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman

Queensland's premier is struggling to grapple with the reality that he could lose his own seat. (AAP)

Campbell Newman seems to be staring defeat in the face, but he cannot see it.

A ReachTEL poll suggested the Queensland premier was trailing Labor's Kate Jones in the seat of Ashgrove 54-46 on a two-party preferred basis on Wednesday night.

An Essential Research poll, released on Thursday, indicated the Liberal Nationals could suffer a 12-13 per cent swing against it across the state and suffer an upset election defeat.

Mr Newman holds Ashgrove by a margin of only 5.7 per cent, but two days out from the election he remains defiant.

He also steadfastly refuses to accept the LNP could be re-elected without him.

"People can ask me as much as they like, but my firm view is that Ashgrove and government go together," the premier said in Cairns on Thursday.

"This is going to be a very tight election, now we're urging people to vote for strength, for unity, a plan and a means to fund the future of Queensland and just vote one for the LNP."

Shortly after his news conference, the premier cancelled his other media events and flew back to Brisbane.

He had been scheduled to stop in the marginal seat of Townsville and at least one other seat.

It's unknown why he suddenly cancelled his trip, but his minders said it was because the release of Labor's costings and law and order policy was the "main story of the day".

Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said he "absolutely" agreed "Ashgrove and the government went together", as did another leadership contender, Scott Emerson.

But Treasurer Tim Nicholls did not repeat that line when asked about the LNP's Plan B.

He said he believed Mr Newman would win, but did not rule out the possibility of the LNP winning government without him.

"That's a matter for the pundits to make a decision about," Mr Nicholls said.

"My view is the people of Ashgrove understand clearly the decision they have to make, the decision all electors in all electorates have to make.

"Do they want a team that can fund the future, build the future that a growing state needs, or do they want the most economically incompetent opposition to stumble over the line with the help of minor parties, the Greens and independents?

The treasurer refused to say whether there was a plan B or if there had been any internal LNP discussions about it.


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