QUEENSLAND LNP MP Ian Rickuss has announced he will retire at the next state election.
The member for Lockyer released a statement on Friday night announcing his decision, saying it followed discussions with his wife, Ann, and family.
His announcement came after two back-to-back sitting weeks, in which the member for Bundaberg Leanne Donaldson resigned as agriculture minister, and Labor conducted a small cabinet reshuffle.
Mr Rickuss said it was an honour and a privilege to represent his constituents and thanked the community for their support.
He was elected in 2004, winning his seat in the Lockyer Valley as a member of the National Party.
It was previously held by One Nation leader Bill Flynn.
Mr Rickuss also beat One Nation's Pauline Hanson at the state election in 2015 to retain his seat, winning by 184 votes after preferences.
The re-emergence of One Nation has loomed large over state politics in Queensland, with Ms Hanson saying this week she hoped her party would win the job of premier.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has taken aim at "fear-driven politics" and ruled out doing preference deals with One Nation.
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls has not categorically ruled out doing a preference deal with One Nation.
The loss of Mr Rickuss in the electorate, between Toowoomba and Ipswich, may bolster One Nation's hopes of securing a seat in the next Queensland parliament.
Mr Rickuss said he was confident there were "extremely talented younger members of the LNP locally, who will have the acceptance of the majority of people in the Lockyer electorate at the next state election".
He reflected on his time in politics and the rise of the digital age.
"When I was first elected, approximately 20 per cent of my correspondence was by email, a 5 megapixel photo would crash a lot of computers, pagers were still being used by a lot of professional people, faxes were in every office, Facebook had just been launched, and Twitter had not started," Mr Rickuss said.
Mr Rickuss thanked his wife Ann for her support and also his long term staff members.
"Without her unwavering support my job would have been more difficult and I have no doubt that the Lockyer has also benefited from Ann's involvement and knowledge of the community," he said.
Mr Rickuss said he was looking forward to spending more time with his wife, children and grandchildren and enjoying his retirement.
