Former Queensland premier Mike Ahern, whose short reign followed Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen and grappled with the fallout from the tumultuous Fitzgerald inquiry, has died aged 81.

Mr Ahern was premier from December 1987 to September 1989 after a prominent stint under Mr Bjelke-Petersen, who resigned amid the damage from revelations from the probe into police corruption.

As the new leader, Mr Ahern famously declared he would implement the findings of the damning Fitzgerald findings “lock, stock and barrel”.

His death was confirmed on Friday morning in a statement issued on behalf of the family by federal national leader David Littleproud.

“The National Party family has lost one of its greatest today,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Mike Ahern and my father are two of the greatest influences on me and my pursuit of politics.”

The federal Nationals leader said he still wore the tie and cufflinks gifted to him by the former premier.

“It’s difficult to describe all that Mike Ahern achieved and stood for, but integrity is what Mike Ahern embodied in all that he did during his time in public office,” Mr Littleproud said.

“We are a better state and country for having Mike Ahern and our National Party family’s thoughts are with Andrea and the family during this sad time.”

– AAP