Queensland MP Verity Barton's political future is up in the air after she was defeated in LNP pre-selection for the seat of Broadwater on the Gold Coast.
Former Newman government minister David Crisafulli won the nod ahead of Ms Barton, who has been the member for Broadwater since the 2012 state election.
Mr Crisafulli, who moved to the Gold Coast from Townsville after losing the seat of Mundingburra in the 2015 state election, won the pre-selection by a comfortable margin, reportedly defeating Ms Barton by 90 votes to 24.
Rumours of Mr Crisafulli's return to politics had been heralded by some commentators as a threat to Queensland opposition leader Tim Nicholls, with many viewing the 38-year-old as a potential leader of the LNP.
"Now the hard work begins to ensure we can win the seat and fight for the things that matter," Mr Crisafulli said in a statement.
Despite the speculation Mr Crisafulli could become a rival to his leadership, Mr Nicholls welcomed his pre-selection.
"I congratulate David and welcome him to the LNP team that will fight to rid Queensland of this do-nothing Palaszczuk Labor government," he said.
Ms Barton's time in state politics hasn't been without controversy.
She became the youngest woman elected to Queensland parliament in 2012 aged just 26, but was the LNP's third candidate of the campaign after her two predecessors were forced to withdraw.
She was re-elected in 2015 with a 4.1 per cent swing against her despite revelations her driving licence had been suspended in both 2012 and 2013 after failing to pay road tolls, and that she had driven while unlicensed.
In March, Mr Nicholls said Ms Barton was doing a "great job" despite some speculation LNP figures were concerned about her performance as an MP.
Ms Barton congratulated Mr Crisafulli on the victory.
"I have very proudly represented the community of Broadwater in the Queensland Parliament since 2012 and will continue that important role until the next state election, whenever that may be," she said.
