Queensland Liberal National Party (LNP) veteran Lawrence Springborg will not run at the next state election, announcing he is quitting after 27 years in politics.

The 48-year-old was first elected 10 terms ago and holds Southern Downs, a region in the state's south in which his family has lived and worked for five generations.

He led the National-Liberal coalition to three defeats in state elections and has also been Opposition leader three times, narrowly losing the position in May to Tim Nicholls amid poor polls.

Fast facts: First elected as an MP in 1989, aged 21

First elected as an MP in 1989, aged 21 Claims the title of the youngest Queensland MP

Claims the title of the youngest Queensland MP Considered the father of the LNP, integral to its 2008 merging

Considered the father of the LNP, integral to its 2008 merging Led the party to three election losses, in 2004, 2006, and 2009

Led the party to three election losses, in 2004, 2006, and 2009 Opposition leader three times

Opposition leader three times Currently Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee chair

Currently Parliamentary Crime and Corruption Committee chair Career highlight arguably "fixing" the controversy-laden health portfolio under the former Newman government

One of his legacies will be leading the merging of the two conservative parties into the LNP in 2008.

Mr Springborg said it was not an easy decision to resign from state politics, standing down at the next poll, due in early 2018.

"I believe that it is the right decision on balance," he said on Saturday.

"I said in [my maiden] speech that if I could enjoy 15 years representing the people of my electorate and Queensland it may be time to pull up stumps.

"Yesterday, that 15 years turned into 27 years.

"I could think of nothing worse than to leave parliamentary service, feeling stilted, tired, disappointed and little more than a sense of relief.

"That would be an offence to the investment and support of so many who have encouraged so much."

Even though Mr Springborg ruled out a switch to federal politics in August, his retirement announcement has already sparked speculation he has his eye on a Senate spot, amid rumours Queensland senator George Brandis is weighing up his future.

Political commentator Paul Williams said he thought Mr Springborg went out with an enormous amount of respect from both sides of the house.

"He'll be taking with him his own personal following… you'd expect One Nation to put in a very good showing [in Southern Downs]," he said.

"No one should be surprised if One Nation comes near the top of the poll in that electorate."

Architect of the LNP

Mr Springborg unveiling the LNP's campaign bus - The Borg Express - in 2008. ( Supplied LNP )

Mr Nicholls said from his election at the age of 21 to the seat of Carnarvon, through to his leadership of the party and three hard-fought state elections, Mr Springborg's passion, dedication and commitment to Queensland has rarely been rivalled.

"He was pivotal in the formation of the Queensland Liberal National Party," Mr Nicholls said.

"Lawrence has sacrificed an enormous amount of family life in order to serve the people of Queensland."

Mr Springborg was forced to rule out a move to federal politics after Maranoa MP Bruce Scott announced his impending retirement last year.

His decision to leave state politics would likely fuel speculation of a change of political arena.

LNP president Gary Spence said Lawrence Springborg had been a leading figure in Queensland politics since he was first elected in 1989.

"He held many portfolios, in Opposition and in Government, and lead the party four times during his career," Mr Spence said.

"There would be few, who could match his record and experience.

"Undoubtedly he will go down in history as the architect of the LNP, and rightly so.

"He is a thoroughly decent bloke with a real passion for our great state and its people."