- MP who won byelection has terminal disease
- Ipswich West MP Darren Zanow stands down
- READ MORE: Labor senator dies of undisclosed illness
A newly-elected MP has revealed how he was diagnosed with an incurable disease on his first day in parliament.
Queensland LNP MP Darren Zanow, who stunningly won the traditional Labor seat of Ipswich West during a March by-election, has said he will not stand again in October's general state poll after being told he has a debilitating neurological condition.
Mr Zanow, who has a seven-year-old daughter, said he was diagnosed with Microvascular Ischemic Disease on April 16 - the same day he was sworn into parliament.
In announcing his condition and decision to step down on Friday, Mr Zanow fought back tears.
'It is with a heavy heart that I make this announcement to my community,' he said.
'It's not a decision I have made lightly but the reality is I have been given no other choice.'
Mr Zanow said he loved the Ipswich region and had 'fought hard for it' all his life.
'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,' he continued.
Queensland state LNP MP Darren Zanow has announced a debilitating neurological condition will cut short his time in parliament and 'likely his life'
He tearfully said he and his doctors had tried to explore options for treatment but 'I now have to face reality of this diagnosis'.
'There is no proven treatment available to slow the debilitating effects of my condition and the prognosis to me is I must turn my attention to my daughter Lola,' he said.
Microvascular Ischemic Disease commonly leads to early onset dementia because of plaque build-up on the brain.
'Observed in a person of 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.
State Opposition Leader David Crisafulli said Mr Zanow's contribution to Ipswich would endure because he 'just loves the place'.
'He went to bat for (the community) when they weren't getting justice after the floods, he went in to fight for them when they needed resources here at the showgrounds,' Mr Crisafulli told the Courier Mail.
'Everywhere you look in Ipswich, someone's got a story about him. He just loves the place and that legacy has to be celebrated.'
Mr Zanow indicated he had nominated potential LNP candidates to take his place but would not give names.
Mr Zanow took the traditional safe Labor seat of Ipswich West during in a stunning March by-election
The south east Queensland seat was picked up by the LNP after a huge 15 per cent swing against the Miles Labor government.
Queensland Premier Steven Miles paid tribute to Mr Zanow and the role he has played in his local community.
'In this job we might be on different sides, but we're all human, we all have families, so we just wish him all the best,' Mr Miles said.
'He is a genuine community leader from Ipswich, genuine about the contribution he has sought to make and while that contribution will be cut short it was certainly appreciated.'
