LNP endorses Henry Pike as candidate for Bowman seat to replace Andrew Laming at next federal election

Mr Pike was the only male candidate in the running, up against Redland City mayor Karen Williams, barrister Margaret Forrest, Fiona Ward and Gold Coaster Fran Ward.

Despite party hierarchy wishes for a strong, female candidate, Mr Pike emerged victorious from the preselection battle on Sunday.

Mr Pike is the Property Council of Australia media and communications director and had the backing of federal Assistant Minister for Women Amanda Stoker.

He was narrowly defeated in November's state elections by Labor's Kim Richards.

LNP MP Andrew Laming has held the seat since 2004.

Mr Pike will be up against Labor candidate Donisha Duff after Opposition leader Anthony Albanese announced his party's choice for Bowman in April.

Mr Albanese reacted to Mr Pike's preselection on Twitter.

"So the LNP had a range of female candidates for preselection to choose from including local Mayor Karen Williams to replace the disgraced Andrew Laming but of course they chose this bloke," he wrote.

Oodgeroo MP Mark Robinson congratulated Mr Pike on Facebook.

"Congratulations to Henry Pike for becoming the newly endorsed LNP candidate for Bowman. You and Katie make a great team and you will be hugely supported in the 2022 federal election," he wrote.

Mr Pike recently told Sky News he was a changed person after alleged fat shaming messages in a group chat from more than a decade ago were published following a complaint by a female LNP member.

Australians could be sent to the polls for a federal election any time from August 2021 to May 2022.