Less than a year out from the next state election, the rumour mill is turning, throwing up whispers about MPs stepping down, rejoining parties and “messing around” with staff, writes Mike Smithson.

Funny things happen in the long, lead up to state elections with the political whisper and rumour mill cranking up to full speed.

Information is often leaked in the hope it will be passed on, get into the public domain and cause damage or, at the very least, a distraction for the enemy forces.

Take for instance a radio drop on FIVEaa last week where David Penberthy announced, in his words, a very strong rumour “growing stronger by the day” that a significant political figure was going to retire.

Apparently, this MP has been large in the political landscape over decades.

He went on to speculate the mystery politician is of the view that their career is at a point that they can look with pride at what they’ve achieved and head into the political sunset.

He wouldn’t name names, but as his co-host Will Goodings pointed out, Penbo had dropped a “couple of breadcrumbs.”

At that point the field was rapidly narrowing as few politicians have been there for decades and all, but one, of the veteran brigade has already flagged their retirement plans.

So, all roads led to Infrastructure Minister Tom Koutsantonis who fitted the criteria with a parliamentary career dating back to 1997.

He has a tough gig and perhaps a desire to spend more........

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