Redlands LNP branch members voted overwhelmingly not to be represented at the next election by Mr Dowling, who became famous last year for personal indiscretions including sexting his mistress a picture of his penis plonked in a wine glass.

Mr Dowling had survived the LNP executive's ballot on whether he could stand by one vote.

Until earlier this month, Premier Campbell Newman had publicly declared he supported all his MPs for pre-selection.

He changed tack last week, announcing that he had a "firm view" about Mr Dowling's situation, but did not want to pre-empt last Saturday's branch vote.

On Monday, Mr Newman's ministers defended his not acting earlier and said the decision on Mr Dowling was one for the branch.

"I think very clearly what it demonstrates  is that we are a party of the people and the people within our party have spoke and that decision has been made by the local representatives in that area," Racing Minister Steve Dickson said.

"I'm sure that Peter has done a very good job representing the people that he has done for two terms in government. We all make decisions and we continue to move forward."

Mr Dickson said it was a "matter for himself" on whether Mr Dowling, who told The Courier-Mail he had "no regrets", should resign.

But Transport Minister Scott Emerson said it would not be "suitable" for Mr Dowling to resign.

"That would cause a by-election, that would cost money to the taxpayer. He has been elected for three years. He will serve out his time," he said.

"The members always make the right decision. That's the great thing about our party, it does always come back to the members in the party. They've had a vote at weekend and they've made their decision.

"The reality was that this would always go back to the members in the seat and in the end they would have the final word. It comes back to the rank and file."

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek also deferred to the branch members.

"That is a matter for the party [if he should resign now]. The party has made their decision and I am sure that is what is going to happen, based on what happened on the weekend," he said.

"These pre-selections are matters for local branches and the party to organise."

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said it proved the LNP was more democratic than the Labor party.

"I think if you compared what has happened in the last week, you will see a party that's democratic, a party that does enable its members to have a say," he said.

"Now contrast that with what would happen if we were dealing with the Labor party. You'd have some union thug come and tap someone on the shoulder and knee cap the grassroots membership. That hasn't happened. They've had a say, they've been empowered. That makes good democracy."