Stay tuned for changes at the top of the Queensland Liberal Party in the wake of their jump from five to seven members in state parliament last weekend.

Bob Quinn is generally considered to be a reluctant leader. He may well stand down in the next six months for Bruce Flegg. Having a doctor as leader while health is such an issue could be very handy to get the Libs within striking distance at the next election. If Flegg doesn’t win but the Liberals increase their representation, party president and newbie MP Michael Caltabiano will then probably have the numbers to become leader – but nicely (if they can keep a lid on the factional shenanigans they seem to so enjoy).

“What profiteth a man if he gaineth the whole world yet loseth his soul,” the Good Book asks. Well, for the world yes – but a semi-safe Labor seat? The Liberals’ weekend wins have started factional deals in Khemlani Kountry where members are now hoping that the party Liberals will continue their success into the general election.

The latest is a major deal between Khemlani and former member for Mt Ommaney and current George Brandis staffer, Bob Harper. It is said that Harper delivered enough numbers from the local young liberal branches in order for ageing transport bureaucrat Peter Turner to beat former Australian journalist Scott Emerson in their tussle for the one-time blue ribbon seat of Indooroopilly.

Sources say that in return, Khemlani will deliver the numbers for Harper to have a fourth tilt at winning Mt Ommaney, currently controlled by Khemlani’s Centenary branch and held by Labor Julie Atwood with a 12% margin. Insiders believe that should Harper get the nod, then the Nationals will point to Harper’s record as a reason to run in Brisbane city and the south-east of Queensland, creating the potential for all sorts of strife between the two parties. After winning Mt Ommaney in a 1995 landslide against Wayne Goss, Harper went on to reduce the Liberal primary vote from 47 to 19% in the space of six years. In his final tilt he actually ran third to former National Party MP Angelo Bertoni.

Harper says in his defence that he has been overseas, only returned last week and did not have the opportunity to lobby anyone at all. Did Customs seize his little black book? Whatever. Faction strife and turf wars with the Nats are the last things that the Queensland Liberals need right now.