Queensland's Liberal National Party has elected an acting state president following the resignation of former president Gary Spence.
LNP's state executive elected metropolitan vice president David Hutchinson to act in the role following Mr Spence's resignation on Friday.
Mr Spence stepped down from the position, blaming new developer donation laws introduced by the state's Labor government for his decision.
Mr Spence said his position as chairman of engineering consultancy firm PeakUrban made him a "prohibited donor" subject to hefty fines and prison time if he stayed in both roles.
Acting state president Mr Hutchinson says the LNP has challenging times ahead.
"We face one of the most critical federal elections that many of us will be able to remember," he said in a statement following his election on Tuesday.
Mr Hutchinson said he was saddened following Mr Spence's resignation.
"I was incensed that Gary's hand was forced due to Labor's draconian legislation that prohibits some Queenslanders from participating in our political process," he said.
Mr Hutchinson has held numerous branch positions within the LNP since he became a member in 2000, including SEC chairman and regional chairman.
"For those of you I haven't met, you can rest assured that I share the background and values of our party," he said.
Australian Associated Press
