Independent to retire at next Qld election

The independent Speaker of Queensland's parliament will not recontest the next election.

Peter Wellington announced he would not run for his Sunshine Coast based seat during a speech in parliament on Thursday evening.

The key crossbencher said he was retiring to help care for his elderly parents, ending his 20-year career in Queensland politics.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was quick to praise the Nicklin MP's contribution to parliament.

"He has a great respect for the democratic and parliamentary process, and importantly he encouraged others to do the same," she said in a statement.

"Since 1998, he has worked hard to ensure transparency and stability of government in Queensland."

Mr Wellington has provided crucial support to Labor after helping the party form its minority government in Queensland's tightly balanced parliament.

He also helped deliver a Labor minority government in 1998 when Peter Beattie was premier.

His decision to retire means the Liberal National Party could reclaim the seat, which is also being contested by One Nation.

The election is due by early 2018, but it tipped to be called later this year.