Campbell Newman called a snap election because LNP members were preparing to boot him from the leadership position, Clive Palmer says.
Mr Palmer told Fairfax Radio on Wednesday morning he believed the government had also moved quickly to hold an election before fresh allegations of corruption were revealed in the current senate inquiry.
Mr Palmer, who is the federal member for the Palmer United Party, said he had been told a spill was imminent.
"I'm informed by people in the LNP that there were moves afoot to dump him as premier next week, and Newman reacted very quickly," he said.
Mr Newman called the snap election on Tuesday, with Queenslanders to go to the polls on January 31.
"This is a great travesty to the people of Queensland who will be getting the kids off to school, and before Newman goes he wants to make everyone's life as much hell as he possibly can by holding the election during the holiday period to save his skin," Mr Palmer said.
He said he was in possession of an email from a Queensland LNP senator urging PUP Senator Glenn Lazarus to wind up the current inquiry into government corruption.
Mr Palmer said Senator Lazarus refused and the government immediately called the election before the inquiry could resume in early February.
He said the LNP did so over fears fresh allegations of corruption - which he did not detail - could be revealed.
Mr Palmer said he would not release the email on Wednesday as he was "just down at the Gold Coast enjoying" himself.
He said the PUP would contest about 45 seats in the election, and that all candidates had been finalised bar two.
When asked about Mr Palmer's claims the premier laughed them off before taking a pot shot at the Palmer United Party.
"It's great for entertainment, isn't it," Mr Newman said.
"On a more serious note, I have to make the point that votes that go to minor parties and independents in this campaign could lead to Labor getting across the line and that isn't a laughing matter."
Mr Newman said voters shouldn't be misled about the opposition's line that they should send a message to his government.
"It's very important that people go to the polling booth and thinking about the choice, and vote for strength in this time of uncertainty," Mr Newman said.
"The minor parties, people like Mr Palmer, offering nothing except chaos. We've seen the chaos in Canberra, we don't want that happening in Queensland."
Share
