Rumours of a Queensland coup are premature – but Palaszczuk’s popularity is waning

‘The linchpin of Annastacia Palaszczuk’s premiership is her personal popularity … If it collapses much further, Labor MPs say her internal support would all but evaporate.’ Photograph: Jono Searle/AAP

Annastacia Palaszczuk has never faced a serious threat to her leadership.

In 11 years as Labor leader – the past eight as premier – there have been no attempted coups or plots, or Canberra-style white-anting by ambitious rivals. Most senior ministers are part of the furniture. Backbenchers rarely vent their concerns, even privately.