Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk arrives at Parliament House for her meeting with independent MP Peter Wellington. Credit:Amy Remeikis That would leave Lawrence Springborg, who has been the main negotiator for the LNP with the crossbench, John-Paul Langbroek and Scott Emerson as the front runners in the leadership race. Fiona Simpson has also stated her intention to run, citing ReachTEL polls which showed her to be the most popular choice for leader, after Campbell Newman. Mr Newman, Jeff Seeney and Mr Nicholls were seen as leaders of the attacks against the crossbench in the last parliament. All three crossbenchers have indicated a change in leadership style was one of their conditions for considering the LNP in negotiations. Labor is predicted to win 44 seats on the latest count, with the LNP stranded on 42. But the ineligibility of Mr Taverner on the Ferny Grove ballot paper could send the electorate back to the polls.

Robbie Katter of Katter's Australia Party is one of the crossbenchers likely to determine which party governs in Queensland. Credit:Glenn Hunt The ECQ released a statement on Wednesday saying it was considering options including a challenge in the Court of

Disputed Returns which may result in a by-election for Ferny Grove. The LNP is hoping for a win in the north-west Brisbane seat, which would leave each party with 43 seats. With the support of the Katter Party MPs the LNP executive, at least, is hoping that could see it re-instated to government. LNP state president Bruce McIver said he believed a Ferny Grove by-election would be the fairest option. "We have been gaining votes in Ferny Grove and we all know now that there could be a problem in Ferny Grove with the Palmer candidate, so that is the seat that is in play at the moment," he told ABC 612 Brisbane.

"I understand he has over 800 votes and we at the moment, we're 350 or something behind. "So where would those votes have gone if he wasn't allowed to stand? "And I think, in fairness to the people of Queensland and Ferny Grove, a by-election could have to come. "I understand that law advice will be forth coming over the next period and whether it is a court that decides, or who decides, I am not sure, but I think a by-election would be the most likely outcome." The Electoral Commission of Queensland had referred the matter to Crown Law and was continuing the count.

Peter Wellington told Fairfax Radio 4BC a decision was inching closer. "I can't be bought by big promises. My wife and I funded my campaign myself, I think it was to the tune of $5500, I owe no favour to any vested interests," Mr Wellington said. "I have always tried to do the best for the people I have the privilege of representing and what is good for Queensland. "So I am looking forward to the meetings and hopefully we can get some good decisions and move forward for Queensland's sake." After meeting fellow crossbencher Robbie Katter, Mr Wellington said "We're having good discussions, it's all good, it's all good".

"We're looking at what we have in common, and what's good for Queensland."



Asked what they have in common, Mr Wellington said there were "lots of things". Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk arrived for her meeting with Mr Wellington just before midday. "The cross benchers have requested some meetings and I am more than happy to sit down and have a chat with them, as I have had over the last three years," she said. "Let's be very clear. Only the Labor Party can offer stability of leadership. Only the Labor Party has a clear plan. We know the LNP is in absolute chaos at the moment. "They went to the election with a plan for asset sales.

"All of their election commitments are based on asset sales. They therefore have absolutely nothing. I am going to talk to Peter Wellington today and offer stability of leadership. "I am going to talk to him today about making sure that we have integrity and accountability in our government. These are my priorities and this is what I will be speaking to the cross benchers about. "That is all I have to say." Mr Springborg was spotted leaving parliament about half-an-hour before.