Labor to choose Steven Miles as Queensland’s 40th Premier

The deputy premier will walk into Labor’s Caucus meeting at 10am on Friday to secure the vote of confidence from his parliamentary colleagues to become the next party leader.

Mr Miles managed to secure enough support from union members during a late-night deal on Monday, guaranteeing him the top job.

Health minister Shannon Fentiman had also put her hand up to run for the position before conceding defeat less than 12 hours after her announcement.

Ms Fentiman said she would support her “longstanding friend” in the leadership position after it became clear the majority of MPs would vote for Mr Miles.

That support was seen as she walked side by side with Mr Miles as they headed to the Caucus room on Friday morning.

Treasurer Cameron Dick is also expected to take on the deputy premier role when Labor’s Caucus meets.

The ballot for the leadership will take place on Friday at 10am after Ms Palaszczuk formally resigns from her role, after nine years as Premier.

Once elected, Mr Miles and Mr Dick will then make the 10-minute drive to Government House to be officially sworn in as the next leaders of the sunshine state.

Mr Miles is then expected outline his vision for the state to an audience of Labor faithful, business and community leaders on Friday afternoon.

The new cabinet will be sworn in on Monday, with a shakeup in portfolios expected.

It comes as Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey announced he was quitting the role on Wednesday.

Sport and Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe, who won’t be contesting his seat at the next election, is also expected to leave his portfolio.

Ms Palaszczuk’s shock resignation on Sunday followed a lengthy career in politics, having been elected to the seat on Inala in 2006.

“I have given it my all and I have run a marathon,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“I’ve dedicated my whole life to community service; there’s no greater honour.”

The 39th Premier was voted in after beating the LNP’s Cambell Newman in 2015.

“Next year would have been nine years and look, a week in politics is a long time but can I tell you nine years feels like an eternity,” she said on Sunday.

“I still have the support of the entire party and the Labor movement and I just want to thank them, it’s been a great honour to be the leader of this party.”

Ms Palaszczuk did not attend Friday’s caucus meeting, according to the Courier Mail.

More to come.