Clive Palmer has turned to the biggest name in Queensland political history to transform his party's flagging influence ahead of next year's state election.
The Palmer United Party (PUP) announced on Sunday John Bjelke-Petersen, the son of former premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen, will lead the Queensland arm of the party to the 2015 election.
The PUP had been without a state leader in Queensland since October after its two sitting MPs - Alex Douglas and Carl Judge - quit the party.
Mr Palmer will be hoping Mr Bjelke-Petersen can turn around the fortunes of the Queensland arm of his party following the embarrassing defections by Dr Douglas and Mr Judge.
Dr Douglas, the Queensland PUP's inaugural leader, quit in August citing concerns over the way candidates were being selected in what he termed an "old boy's club".
Yeerongpilly MP Mr Judge then only lasted two months as state leader before also leaving the party in October, saying he felt he could better serve his constituents as an independent.
Mr Palmer had previously said he was seeking a "strong character" to lead his party in Queensland and believed Mr Bjelke-Petersen was the best man for the job.
"Mr Bjelke-Petersen is just the person the party needs, he is a real leader who will be able to deliver real results for all Queenslanders," he said in a statement.
Mr Bjelke-Petersen's father was Queensland's longest-serving premier, holding office from 1968 to 1987.
Mr Palmer served as the campaign director of the National Party when Joh Bjelke-Petersen was returned as Queensland premier in 1983 and 1986 and it's believed Sir Joh's politics influenced the mining magnate.
Sir Joh's time in office was highly controversial and ended in shame with state ministers and Queensland's police commissioner jailed for corruption offences after the Fitzgerald Inquiry.
Mr Bjelke-Petersen quit the Liberal National Party in 2013 citing his disgust at a perceived lack of support by the Newman Government for regional Queensland.
He then stood in the 2013 federal election for Mr Palmer in the seat of Maranoa, claiming more than 13 per cent of the primary vote.
His appointment as leader comes a month after it was announced he'll stand against incumbent and Queensland deputy premier Jeff Seeney in the seat of Callide at the upcoming state election.
"[Premier] Campbell Newman and his government have failed Queensland and Queenslanders," Mr Bjelke-Petersen said.
"It is time that Queenslanders were represented by a government focused on building the state's economy, creating jobs and providing opportunities for local industries."
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