Brief
Queensland Labor leader Steven Miles faces dwindling support ahead of 2028 election
Party insiders say Miles' leadership is under pressure as Labor's primary vote falls to 24% and internal factions vie for a challenger.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Queensland Labor opposition leader Steven Miles is confronting mounting internal criticism as the party’s primary support slipped to 24% in the latest Resolve Political Monitor, according to the Sydney Morning Herald on 13 October 2026.
What happened
The poll, released on 14 October, recorded Labor’s core support at 24%, down one point from the previous reading and well below the mid‑30s threshold that party insiders deem necessary to be competitive in the 2028 state election. The Liberal National Party (LNP) held 32% primary support, while One Nation registered 21%.
What the reports add
The Herald noted that fewer than one in ten Queensland voters rated Miles as doing a “very good” job as opposition leader, and his net performance score was –14 compared with Premier David Crisafulli’s +23. It also referenced a longstanding internal deadline – a “Christmas deadline” – for Labor to select a more electable leader, a deadline that has reportedly not been met.
What was said
Senior party‑room sources, speaking anonymously, told the Herald that despite rumours of a pre‑Christmas coup, Miles still retains the backing of the United Workers Union (UWU) and the Left faction. The same sources said that potential rivals Shannon Fentiman (Left) and Cameron Dick (Right) lack sufficient support to mount a serious challenge at present.
How it came about
The leadership pressure intensified after the August state Labor conference, when Miles announced that fellow UWU member Meaghan Scanlon would re‑contest the seat of Gavende despite an unfavourable boundary redistribution. The decision was described as “ruffling a lot of feathers” among caucus members, who fear resources will be diverted from broader electoral strategies to protect Scanlon’s seat.
Key facts
- Queensland Labor's primary support fell to 24% in the latest Resolve Political Monitor. (smh.com.au)
- Less than 10% of Queensland voters rate Steven Miles as doing a "very good" job as opposition leader. (smh.com.au)
- United Workers Union and the Left faction continue to back Miles, while Shannon Fentiman and Cameron Dick lack sufficient support to challenge him. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Rumblings grow over Queensland Opposition leader Steven Miles”
