Qld MP Seeney changes mind on federal tilt

Former Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney has cancelled his tilt at federal politics, insisting he still has unfinished business in the state arena.

Mr Seeney had previously indicated he'd nominate for Liberal National Party preselection in the federal Queensland seat of Wide Bay, to be vacated by retiring former Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss.

But he told parliament during a late sitting early on Friday morning that he'd changed his mind.

"I am tonight committing myself totally to ridding this chamber of this Labor Government," he said.

"I will play whatever role is asked of me in Lawrence Springborg's team to ensure we have an LNP government after the next election, whenever that is."

That's despite Mr Seeney last month indicating he was disappointed he didn't have a bigger opposition role, following his demotion to the backbench after the Newman government's shock election defeat.

"I'm in a position now where I don't think my talents or abilities are being used to their fullest extent on behalf of the people of regional Queensland," he said at the time.

The change in attitude prompted opposition frontbencher Tim Nicholls to be asked whether Mr Seeney was in line for an elevation to the shadow cabinet.

"I think Jeff just loves being in this parliament and he can make a contribution whether he's on the front bench or the back bench," Mr Nicholls replied.

"I think everyone would be pleased to see one of the great characters of Queensland Parliament stay here and continue to make a contribution to Queensland public life."

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad - Mr Seeney's regular sparring partner across the chamber - wasn't as kind, suggesting the Callide MP's decision to stay was made out of necessity rather than choice.

"I think he found it clearly very hard to amass the support that he needed at the local level," she said.

"Clearly he's had a change of heart and the LNP constituents in Wide Bay helped him have that change of heart."