Isaac Moody wants Mike's job

AS ONE long-standing political career comes to an end Isaac Moody is hoping a new one has just begun.

Moody yesterday put up his hand for pre-selection for the seat of Toowoomba South, just as Mike Horan announced his plans to draw the curtain on his 20-year political career.

The former CEO of Easterfest announced on his Facebook page yesterday that he would seek pre-selection for the LNP to contest the seat and Mr Moody later confirmed his intentions to Finda.

"After Mike Horan’s announcement on Saturday that he will be retiring as the LNP member for the state seat of Toowoomba South, I think it is probably time to publicly announce that I will contest the forthcoming preselection," Mr Moody posted on Facebook.

His status update discussed the perks of being a member of the Liberal National Party.

"One of the great things about the LNP is that the local membership decide who they want as a candidate. All I can  do is put my best foot forward :)"

Mr Moody told Finda he understands that Mike Horan has left a looming shadow for him to stand in, however, he respects the work and achievements of the retiring member.

"My father was deputy direct for the Accident and Emergency department in Toowoomba when Mike Horan delivered the Toowoomba Base Hospital extension and upgrade, so I have seen first hand the positive differences a competent local member can make," Mr Moody said.

"Mike will leave large shoes to fill when he retires as the member for Toowoomba South."

Meanwhile, Mr Horan told ABC Radio on Saturday that he would not contest the state election, but said yesterday his decision had nothing to do with the pending leadership of Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman.

Mr Horan said he had informed the party of his decision more than a year ago.

“It’s a chance a lot of people would relish, to work with Campbell to move things around in Queensland,” he said on Saturday.

“But, for me, due to my age and my desire to spend more time with my wife, my children and my grandchildren, I think it’s time to pull up stumps.”

Mr Newman this week unveiled a plan to quit as lord mayor if he is preselected for the Brisbane seat of Ashgrove.

He will lead the party’s election campaign, with Jeff Seeney installed as leader of the party in parliament, to hand over to Mr Newman should he win the seat.

Mr Horan, who is the opposition whip, entered politics at a 1991 by-election.

Do you think Isaac Moody would make a good candidate and possibly member for Toowoomba South? Tell us your thoughts.