Queensland Deputy Labor Leader Tim Mulherin says he will quit politics just three weeks out from the election.

The veteran MP said he would not be contesting his north Queensland seat of Mackay, which he has held since 2005.

• Newman calls snap election in Queensland
• Drop in polls cause Newman’s snap election
• Newman denies seat switch 

The ALP holds the seat by a narrow margin of 0.5 per cent and is yet to name a replacement.

Mr Mulherin said he was retiring for health and family reasons.

.@AnnastaciaMP pays tribute to ‘Mr Mackay’, retiring Labor deputy leader Tim Mulherin, on her morning walk #qldvotes pic.twitter.com/bfTub7ETdi

— Sarah Elks (@sarahelks) January 8, 2015

On Tuesday Premier Campbell Newman announced a snap election for January 31, sending Queenslanders to the polls weeks earlier than expected.

Although the LNP hold 73 out of 89 seats, and Labor just 9, the polls are tipping a close contest between the two major parties.

Mr Mulherin will remain in his position until the election.

Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk, who was on annual leave when the election was announced, has been campaigning across the state this week.

Queenslanders are urged to ensure their enrolment details are up-to-date, with the electoral rolls to close on Saturday, January 10.