Redlands candidate in the 2020 state election Henry Pike has been tipped as a frontrunner in the seat for Bowman as LNP vetting for the next election is expected to start this weekend.
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Sitting MP Andrew Laming will not recontest his seat after his preselection was rejected and Queensland police cleared him of allegations he inappropriately photographed a woman while she was bending over.
The fight to fill Mr Laming's seat may see Redland mayor Karen Williams in the mix after she applied for LNP membership last month.
A senior LNP source has predicted the five candidates for the controversial seat as a four week preselection process begins.
Party insiders say Mr Pike and barrister Margaret Forrest are the favourites, followed by Cr Williams, Gold Coaster Fran Ward and Fiona Ward.
There has been no official confirmation that Cr Karen Williams has nominated but senior members are looking for someone who is involved in the community and experienced in politics.
It is expected that party hierarchy also would prefer a woman, if possible, to help correct a conservative gender imbalance and due to sensitivities over a string sexual harassment allegations in conservative ranks in federal Parliament.
Mr Pike is the director of media and communications at the Property Council of Australia and is chair of the LNP Brisbane South branch.
He was narrowly defeated in November's state elections by Labor's Kim Richards.
Ms Forrest, a 33-year-old barrister is an honorary legal council for the LNP, and has worked at the international criminal tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague and has taught evidence law and criminal law and procedure at the University of Queensland.
A senior LNP source said it would be a challenge for Cr Williams to convince party people she was a dedicated Liberal after joining the party only a month ago. On the other hand she is an experienced operator who understands process and numbers, which are critical political abilities.
About 150 members are expected to vote for the candidate in an exhaustive ballot.
The LNP candidate will be up against Labor candidate Donisha Duff after Opposition leader Anthony Albanese announced his party's choice for Bowman in April.
Australians could be sent to the polls for a federal election any time from August 2021 to May 2022.
