 Elmes is a member of the Liberal National Party of Queensland, having been a long-standing member of the Liberal Party before its merger with the Nationals.In opposition, he served as Parliamentary Secretary to Shadow Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism from 21 September 2006 to 12 August 2008, when he was appointed Deputy Opposition Whip.Following the LNP's victory at the 2012 election, it was announced he would be the LNP's nominee for (and would therefore be elected as) Speaker and Chairman of Committees in the new Parliament.