Queensland Premier Queensland Campbell Newman says his political career is over, after the LNP suffered devastating losses in Saturday's state election.
Mr Newman has stopped short of conceding defeat, but said he had lost his own seat of Ashgrove.
He said the outcome of the election might not be known tonight, "we might not know for some days".
"But I say this to Queenslanders: the LNP will offer either a strong and stable government or a very effective opposition in the years to come," he told the party faithful, with his wife Lisa by his side.
Mr Newman said he respected the verdict of Ashgrove voters, and Queenslanders should not expect to see him in public life again.
"My political career is over. It is over," he said, to chants from the party faithful of "no! no!"
"Tough, you're going to have to wear that one."
He thanked the people of Ashgrove for the privilege of being their local MP, and all Queensland voters who backed the LNP at the 2012 poll.
"I do thank all of you ... every voter," he said.
"It's been a great experience."
He said the tough decisions his government had made were necessary.
"And I do truly believe they have put Queenslander in a far better place," Mr Newman said.
The premier said he felt for his LNP colleagues who'd also lost their seats.
"When the history of this government is written, people should look long and hard at a political team who did the hard yards and didn't bitch and moan, they got on with the job because they knew they were doing the right thing for Queensland," he said.
"So to all those who lost their seats, I am sensationally proud of you. I just wish the community knew that you were all men and women of conviction and I wish you the very best in your future career."
He said the LNP members who were left standing would meet soon to decide on a new leader, and the party had many fine candidates to chose from.
"But that is a matter for them."
Mr Newman, with his wife Lisa by his side, said he was looking forward to resuming family life, after 13 years in politics, first as Brisbane lord mayor, then as premier.
"Thank you Queensland, it has been an honour, it has been a privilege."
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