Qld Labor not contesting state by-election

Queensland Labor won't contest the Toowoomba South by-election in July.

Liberal National Party (LNP) MP John McVeigh withdrew from state parliament, prompting the by-election, after becoming the LNP candidate to replace the retiring Ian Macfarlane for the federal seat of Groom.

Labor's state administrative committee met on Friday to consider the nomination of candidates.

"The Administrative Committee resolved that winning the federal election was the first priority for Queensland Labor," the party said in a statement.

"It is disappointing John McVeigh has caused this unnecessary by-election and used Toowoomba South as a stepping stone for his career advancement."

The by-election will be held on July 16, forcing voters to return the ballot boxes just two weeks after the federal election on July 2.

Former Toowoomba mayor Di Thorley will stand as an independent against the LNP's candidate David Janetzki - a banking manager and grazier.

Mr Janetzki won an LNP preselection battle against Sam Wright last week.