Clive Palmer set to seek Senate seat

Rather than contest a lower house seat, as he previously held, businessman Clive Palmer will instead target the Senate at the May 18 federal election.

Clive Palmer will target a Senate seat in Queensland rather than a bid for a lower house seat. (AAP)

Businessman Clive Palmer will contest a Senate seat in Queensland rather than seeking to re-enter the lower house.

Mr Palmer, who is bankrolling a national campaign by the United Australia Party, had weighed up a tilt at the north Queensland seat of Herbert.

But AAP understands Mr Palmer will run for the Senate and the party will name another candidate for Herbert on Thursday, ahead of the May 18 federal election.