High-profile would-be LNP candidate Nick Behrens has lost his battle for preselection in a Labor-held inner Brisbane seat.
The former Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland director immediately sparked speculation of a political challenge when he resigned in November.
But on Tuesday night, Mr Behrens lost a ballot for preselection, going down to university lecturer and businessman Jamie Forster.
Palaszczuk government minister Grace Grace holds the traditionally Labor seat after unseating the LNP's Robert Cavallucci at the 2015 poll.
Before that, former premier Peter Beattie's old seat had been in ALP hands back to 1977.
Under LNP policy candidates seeking pre-selection cannot speak to the media after they nominate.
Mr Behrens, who was a regular media commentator in his role as CCIQ director, declined to comment.