Qld LNP leadership is a three-horse race

THE THREE LNP MPS FIGHTING TO BE OPPOSITION LEADER

Name: Lawrence Springborg

Age: 48

Current role: Opposition leader

Newman government role: Health minister

Life before state politics: Worked on a farm before being elected to state parliament in 1989, aged 21.

Chances: Clearly the most experienced politician, Mr Springborg is well respected and the "father" of the LNP, having driven the merger of the state's two main conservative parties. However, he has failed as opposition leader three times before and his popularity is low in polling. His leadership has been questioned after Labor was able to blindside the LNP last month to force the reintroduction of compulsory preferential voting. Sportsbet is paying $1.90 for him to retain the leadership.

Name: Tim Nicholls

Age: 51

Current role: Opposition infrastructure spokesman

Newman government role: Treasurer

Life before state politics: Solicitor and Brisbane City Councillor

Chances: Mr Nicholls has the experience and political nous to perform the role. He's a strong negotiator and confident in front of the media. However, his close association to former premier Campbell Newman could make colleagues hesitant to back him. Mr Nicholls was also the face of the LNP's asset sales plan, which contributed to the party's shock loss at the last election. Odds at $3.50.

Name: Tim Mander

Age: 54

Current role: Opposition education spokesman (before resigning to contest leadership)

Newman government role: Housing minister

Life before state politics: NRL referee and Scripture Union Queensland CEO

Chances: It's been no secret Mr Mander covets the job, having narrowly missed out to Mr Springborg following the LNP's election defeat. He pitches himself as the fresh-faced and innovative leader the party needs to take to the next election. However, he only holds his seat of Everton by 1.8 per cent, which could deter colleagues who fear he won't retain the seat. He'd also likely have to field questions, like Mr Newman did, about who the LNP's "Plan B" leader will be. Mr Mander is a $6 outsider.