There is precedent for Campbell Newman contesting a seat he as a potential premier when he is not a sitting memebr according to historian, and former Queensland Attorney-General, Denver Beanland.

Campbell Newman standing for Premier of Queensland as Leader of the Parliamentary Liberal National Party outside of parliament is not unique, as has been reported.

This situation occurred in colonial Queensland on 9 December 1887 when Sir Thomas McIlwraith announced that he was standing for the seat of Brisbane North. At the same time he assumed the leadership of his Parliamentary Party.

McIlwraith had previously been Premier and Leader of the Opposition but resigned from the Legislative Assembly in 1886 for business reasons.

Brisbane North was a dual member electorate represented by two Liberal Party members Sir Samuel Griffith, the incumbent Premier, and William Brookes.

In the election for the seat held on 5 May 1888 McIlwraith easily won, gaining 1761 votes to Griffith’s 1127 votes with Brookes being defeated on 1009 votes. McIlwraith became the Senior Member and Griffith became the Junior Member for Brisbane North.

Across Queensland, McIlwraith’s Party won a landslide victory 45 seats to 27 for Griffith’s Party.