In the wake of former prime minister Kevin Rudd's exit from politics, two front-runners have emerged for the ALP ahead of a Brisbane by-election.
Mr Rudd announced his resignation yesterday, and Labor will be keen to retain his once-safe seat of Griffith, which it held by just 3 per cent at the September election.
Industrial relations lawyer Terri Butler, who has practised in Queensland throughout her career, and former state MP Di Farmer are among the early contenders.
Another likely candidate is reported to be Brisbane City councillor Shayne Sutton, who was once a Rudd staffer.
The news comes as Mr Rudd's daughter and key advisor Jessica Rudd hosed down reports that a deal had been struck to get her pre-selected.
A senior Labor source reportedly told Fairfax she had been anointed as Mr Rudd's replacement in a bid to secure the seat.
Tweeting from Beijing, where she is living with her husband and young daughter, Ms Rudd said that "for now, this is where I belong".
I'm flattered to be considered a potential candidate but I spent the morning writing with Josie on our Beijing play-mat surrounded by Duplo - Jessica Rudd (@Jess_Rudd) November 13, 2013
For now, this is where I belong. - Jessica Rudd (@Jess_Rudd) November 13, 2013
Our local branch members will choose an excellent candidate for this by-election—big boots to fill—and that person can count on my support. - Jessica Rudd (@Jess_Rudd) November 13, 2013
Former Queensland premier Peter Beattie has also been mentioned as a possible candidate for Griffith, but he says he has "no interest" in contesting.
He says he "reluctantly came out of retirement" to run for the seat of Forde in this year's federal election, and has no desire to contest Griffith.
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"I only came back to run in Forde because it was indicated to me that I could assist in winning other seats in Queensland to help the Labor Party stay in office," he said.
Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese says he is confident the party will run a strong campaign to hold onto Mr Rudd's Brisbane seat.
Mr Rudd fended off Liberal National Party candidate Bill Glasson in the September election, but with a reduced margin.
State LNP secretary Brad Henderson says the party is yet to determine if Mr Glasson will recontest Griffith.
Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has refused to speculate on who'll be the LNP's candidate, while wishing Mr Rudd well.
"I want to thank Mr Rudd for his service to the nation and to the state of Queensland," he said.
Nominations open shortly, with the election by-election expected to be held early in the new year.
