LONG-serving LNP staff member Matt McEachan, who works in Campbell Newman's office, will run as the party’s candidate in the seat of Redlands at the next election.
The 44-year-old divorced father of one daughter, who worked for federal MP Andrew Laming for six years, beat four other candidates for the position, currently held by Peter Dowling.
Mr Dowling bowed out of the race in October after missing out on pre-selection when branch members and up to 15 party executives decided not to re-endorse him following last year's texting scandal.
Mr McEachan, who has lived in Thornlands since 1992, gained the branch's support after telling members about his love for crabbing at Victoria Point.
He defeated the other favourite candidate Redland City councillor Lance Hewlett, who is Peter Dowling's brother-in-law.
Bowman MP Andrew Laming said Mr McEachan won 69 of the 105 votes beating Cr Hewlett who received 35 votes with one informal registered.
A scrutineer who wanted to remain anonymous gave different figures on the vote. They said Mr McEachan won 58 of the registered 105 votes and Cr Hewlett won 46 votes with one vote counted as an informal vote.
Cr Hewlett gave an impassioned speech telling about his connection with the community and his work as a local councillor.
The winner was decided using an exhaustive preferential system which included two ballots - the first knocked out the bottom three candidates leaving the final ballot between Mr McEachan and Cr Hewlett.
Party president Bruce McIver attended and cast his vote along with Housing Minister MP Tim Mander, who represented premier Campbell Newman.
Queensland Senator James McGrath represented Prime Minister Tony Abbott and also had a proxy vote.
Bowman MP Andrew Laming, who lives in the Redlands electorate, was also at the meeting and cast a vote.
The unsuccessful candidates were Fiona Ward, who works in LNP MP Ray Stevens office at the Gold Coast and does not live in the electorate, Paul O’Keeffe, an accountant and Josh Hanbidge, a business manager and mason.
