Member for Woodridge and state treasurer Cameron Dick was last Friday sworn in as deputy premier of Queensland.
This follows a tumultuous week in government which saw Waterford MP Shannon Fentiman retain her Health portfolio after a short-lived run for the top spot.
Mr Dick will remain as Queensland treasurer while serving as deputy to new premier Steven Miles.
He was also sworn in as minister for state development, local government infrastructure and planning.
Some reports have suggested Mr Miles initially offered Ms Fentiman the role of deputy, but she rejected.
Only 18 hours after announcing her intentions to run for party leader, Ms Fentiman withdrew her nomination because it was “clear a majority of Labor Members of Parliament will support Steven Miles”.
“As a result, I will not be standing as a candidate for the Labor leadership when Caucus meets on Friday,” she said.
“I want to congratulate Steven and offer my support in the work ahead.”
Just one week ago Queensland Labor Party insiders told MyCity Logan they thought Ms Fentiman would have the numbers to win a vote against Mr Miles.
Ms Fentiman said so herself when she announced her candidacy.
“Labor MPs know me, they know my track record of bringing people together, of listening and delivering,” she said.
“We need a refreshed approach, a government with fresh ideas and energy, one anchored in Labor values with robust cabinet processes.”
The contest between Ms Fentiman and Mr Miles, both members of Labor’s divided left faction, rested on the support of Mr Dick – a leader of Labor right.
Mr Miles made a self-described “agreement” with Mr Dick, which secured him the support of right faction members and pushed him ahead of Ms Fentiman in the ballot.
It also landed Mr Dick in the deputy role.
“I made this decision… based on my view of who is the best leader for Queensland,” Mr Dick said.
“And I’m absolutely convinced Steven Miles is the best leader for Queensland.
“It’s abundantly clear to me that Steven has the overwhelming support of our party.”
On Monday, the remainder of Mr Miles’ cabinet was sworn in.
Springwood MP Mick de Brenni retained his Energy portfolio, however it was renamed Energy and Clean Economy Jobs.
Algester MP Leeanne Enoch will stay on as Minister for Treaty, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Minister for Communities and Minister for the Arts
