Queensland by-election called after MP Jimmy Sullivan's death; political reactions and fuel crisis debates
Consensus Summary
A by-election for Queensland’s Stafford seat has been called for May 16, 2026, following the death of independent MP Jimmy Sullivan, who was found at his Brisbane home in non-suspicious circumstances. Sullivan, a former Labor MP expelled in 2025, had held the seat since 2020, which Labor has won in nine of the last ten elections. Premier David Crisafulli framed the poll as a chance for voters to endorse the LNP government’s energy policies, including plans for a Gladstone fuel refinery, while Opposition Leader Steven Miles called it a referendum on the government’s handling of the fuel crisis and cost-of-living pressures. Both major parties have yet to nominate candidates, and early voting will begin on May 5 for the 41,000 eligible voters. The by-election coincides with the upcoming June state budget, adding political urgency to the contest.
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Key details reported by multiple sources:
- A by-election for the Queensland seat of Stafford will be held on May 16, 2026, following the death of independent MP Jimmy Sullivan.
- Jimmy Sullivan, 44, was found dead at his Brisbane home earlier this month (April 2026), with police ruling the circumstances as non-suspicious.
- Sullivan was an independent MP after being expelled from Labor’s caucus in 2025, amid scrutiny over personal matters and allegations of a domestic incident.
- Sullivan was elected in 2020 and re-elected in 2024, with Labor winning the seat in nine of the last 10 elections.
- The Stafford electorate includes suburbs in Brisbane’s north: Stafford, Chermside, and Kedron.
- Queensland Premier David Crisafulli announced the by-election on April 17, 2026, stating Governor Jeanette Young issued writs triggering the poll.
- Early voting for Stafford’s 41,000 voters will open from May 5, 2026, with options for early and postal voting.
- Opposition Leader Steven Miles called the by-election a ‘referendum’ on the LNP government’s performance, criticizing its handling of the fuel crisis.
- Crisafulli framed the by-election as a chance for voters to support the government’s energy strategy, including plans for a new fuel refinery in Gladstone.
- Neither Labor nor the LNP has confirmed a candidate for the by-election as of April 17, 2026.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- The state government called on the Commonwealth to fast-track environmental approvals for oil projects in the Taroom Trough, southern Queensland, earlier this month.
- Electoral Commission of Queensland Commissioner Pat Vidgen mentioned voting options would include early and postal voting for the 41,000 eligible voters.
- Steven Miles criticized Crisafulli for being ‘all photo opportunity and no follow-through’ regarding the fuel crisis.
- None identified beyond overlapping content with ABC.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- ABC states the by-election writs were issued on April 17, 2026, while NEWSCOMAU does not specify the exact date but aligns with the same timeline.
Source Articles
By-election called one week after Qld state MP's death
Former Member for Stafford Jimmy Sullivan was found dead at his home earlier this month, after police were called to reports of a non-suspicious death.
By-election called after MP’s shock death
Voters will head back to the polls in just a few weeks after a Queensland MP was found dead in his home.