Queensland Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg says he won't contest the federal seat of Maranoa when his friend, veteran MP Bruce Scott retires.
Mr Scott - the federal deputy speaker, with 25 years experience in the large regional Queensland electorate - has announced he will stand down at the next election.
Mr Springborg admitted he'd been asked to contest Maranoa numerous times and had always turned it down for his state seat of Southern Downs on the Queensland-NSW border.
"I'm passionate about Southern Downs, passionate about state parliament, passionate about leading the LNP team and hopefully leading us back into government," he said in Cairns on Monday.
"I just wish whoever the new candidate is, who won't be me, all the very best."
Mr Scott has been nominated by Bill Shorten to replace Bronwyn Bishop as speaker.
Mr Springborg said 71-year-old Scott had been "a gentleman to deal with" and always put the interests of his constituents first.
"Many people in the Maranoa electorate will attest to his professional and respectful manner," he said.
Earlier, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Mr Springborg had to answer the "million dollar question" about whether he would remain in state politics or switch to Maranoa.
She let her preference be known by making a dig at Mr Springborg, who's been opposition leader four times during his 26-year career but never premier.
"I'd love him to stay," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"Lawrence has faced many elections and I'm more than happy for him to stay on as leader of the opposition."
Maranoa, Queensland's largest federal electorate, covers major western regional hubs like Charleville, Roma and Stanthorpe.
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