- Peter Dowling, 56, announced he will run for his old seat of Redlands
- Mr Dowling was dumped after infamous 2013 sexting scandal with his mistress
- One of the images he sent her showed his penis in a glass of red wine
A former Liberal MP who was dumped after an infamous sexting scandal which earned him the nickname ‘Peter the Plonker’ has announced his return to politics.
Peter Dowling, 56, on Saturday announced he will run for his old seat of Redlands in Queensland at the next state election as an independent candidate.
Mr Dowling came under fire in 2013 after sending explicit images and text messages to his then-mistress.
Former Liberal MP Peter Dowling who was dumped after sexting pictures to his mistress showing him with his penis in a glass of red wine has announced his return to politics
Mr Dowling came under fire in 2013 after sending explicit images and text messages to his then mistress (pictured)
One of the images showed his penis in a glass of red wine, earning him his unflattering nickname.
‘It was one of the biggest scandals in the history of Queensland politics,’ he told The Courier Mail.
‘It was a salacious story from an angry woman. It went around the world.
‘We have to learn from our mistakes. Now, I want to step again.’
Mr Dowling was disendorsed by his local branch members three years ago.
His wife Helen initially stood by him, but the pair separated a year ago.
Mr Dowling said he had been encouraged to run by friends and business figures in who believed their electorate had been neglected by current government.
His wife Helen (right) initially stood by him, but the pair separated a year ago
Peter Dowling, 56, on Saturday announced he will run for his old seat of Redlands in Queensland at the next state election as an independent candidate