By Laine Clark in Brisbane

STEVEN Miles is set to become the next Queensland premier after rival Shannon Fentiman pulled out of the leadership race.

A day after nominating for the top job, Ms Fentiman on Tuesday announced she would be standing down and throwing her support behind Mr Miles.

At first, it appeared there would be a messy leadership battle to decide who would replace outgoing Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk following her shock resignation on Sunday.

Deputy Premier Mr Miles was quick to declare his nomination for the top job after Ms Palaszczuk personally endorsed him.

Health Minister Ms Fentiman then put herself in the running on Monday afternoon, saying she wouldn’t be stepping up if she didn’t have “significant support”.

They appeared to be on a collision course for a caucus meeting on Friday to endorse the new parliamentary leader ahead of Queenslands’ state election in October 2024.

However, Ms Fentiman this morning withdrew her bid, saying it was clear Mr Miles had the numbers to become the next premier.

Current Treasurer Cameron Dick is reportedly set to become the new deputy premier.

“It is clear that a majority of Labor members of parliament will support Steven Miles to be the next leader of the Labor Party, and therefore the next premier of Queensland,” Ms Fentiman posted on Facebook.

“As a result I will not be standing as a candidate for the Labor leadership when caucus meets on Friday.

“I want to congratulate Steven and offer my support in the work ahead.”

Mr Miles was considered the front runner after gaining the support of the biggest group in Labor’s dominant left faction, the United Workers Union.

If a single candidate had not emerged before the Friday caucus a contested leadership ballot could have dragged on for weeks.

Under party rules, the vote would have been split between elected MPs, rank-and-file members and affiliated unions.

“Steven is a longstanding friend and he will have my full support as premier of Queensland,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Now is the time for unity and Labor’s focus must turn to delivering for Queenslanders and retaining government at next year’s election.

“I will continue working tirelessly to ensure the return of a Labor government for Queensland.”