Queensland LNP MP Darren Zanow has called time on his political career just months into his parliamentary term after he received a devastating diagnosis.
Mr Zanow – who won Ipswich West from Labor at a by-election in March – announced on Friday he would not be contesting the October state election.
He told his constituents it was “with a heavy heart” he had to inform them a diagnosis of Microvascular Ischemic Disease meant he could not continue as an MP.
“It is not a decision I have made lightly but the reality is I have been given no other choice. I love this community, and I have fought hard for the people all my life,” he said.
“Serving this amazing community as an MP is one of the greatest honours of my life but because of this disease my time in public office and likely my life will be cut short.”
Mr Zanow said he was first made aware of his diagnosis on April 16, the same day he was sworn in as an MP after an almost 18 per cent swing to the LNP at the by-election.
“Even after the advice was received, my doctors and I went to considerable lengths in pursuit of treatment options,” he said.
“However, I have now had to face the realities of this diagnosis – and it means my time as an MP must end in October.”
He described how “the disease – observed via MRI and PET scans – reports changes in the brain, the build-up of a type of plaque that signals the early onset of dementia”.
“Observed in a person my age, it is likely to signal that a more rapid onset has begun and subsequent medical tests have proven this to be true in my case,” Mr Zanow said.
“Although researchers have options under investigation, there is no proven treatment available to slow the debilitating effects of my condition.
“The prognosis for me requires that I must turn my attention immediately to the needs of my daughter Lola, who is aged 7, and to those of our wider family.”
Mr Zanow thanked Opposition Leader David Crisafulli and the rest of the LNP team for their support and compassion since his diagnosis.
“I also sincerely want to thank all my colleagues for supporting me throughout the journey into public life,” he added.
“To my amazing and incredible community – the people of Ipswich – thank you. Thank you for backing me and now thank you for your understanding.
“I will continue to work for you and our community up to the October 26 election.”
Mr Zanow has been heavily involved in the Ipswich community over the years, through his role as President of the Ipswich Show Society and as a previous business owner.