“I am proud to stand here today to say Steven Miles should be the next premier of Queensland and I will be supporting him when our parliamentary party meets later in the week,” Dick said.

Miles confirmed Dick would retain the treasury portfolio,and that he did not intend to shift Fentiman from the health role – also offering her the leadership of the dominant Left faction.

While Grace also confirmed she expected to remain in cabinet,Miles said changes would be worked through after Friday’s meeting.

“There will be changes to cabinet,but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves,” he said.

Given a “strong endorsement” by the outgoing Palaszczuk,Miles publicly declared his intention within hours of her announcement on Sunday.

The twin leadership contenders from the 25-member Left faction split support,allowing the smaller 18-member Right faction – including Dick and Palaszczuk – along with its affiliated unions to play a key role in coalescing support behind Miles into Monday night.

After declaring on Monday she had“significant support” for a different approach to take the party forward after internal frustrations and poor polls,Fentiman postedon social media early Tuesday to withdraw her pitch.

Labor’s administrative committee will open formal nominations for the leadership at midday on Friday.

Underparty rules,more than one candidate seeking the role at the close of nominations would have triggered three equally weighted votes among MPs,affiliated unions and grassroot members,driving the days-long push to avoid a drawn-out and process.

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