‘F-k him, we’re not getting rid of him’ – Palmer’s pocket dial after candidate queries

Clive Palmer has indicated he will not dump an under-fire Trumpet of Patriots candidate who is charged with stalking and possessing weapons — appearing to confirm the candidate would continue to be endorsed after pocket dialling The Daily Telegraph.

Clive Palmer has indicated he will not dump an under-fire Trumpet of Patriots candidate who is charged with stalking and possessing weapons — and appeared to confirm the candidate would continue to be endorsed after pocket dialling The Daily Telegraph.

Trumpet of Patriots’ Dickson candidate Michael Jessop. Picture: Adam Head. Picture Adam Head

After initially being contacted for comment regarding the party’s Dickson candidate Michael Jessop, Mr Palmer accidentally called this reporter back in a ‘‘pocket dial’’, where he was heard to say to another person: “F. him, we’re not getting rid of him”.

When contacted following that pocket call, Mr Palmer denied he said the above comment before saying: “You don’t like us and we don’t like you. Don’t bother me again.”

When initially contacted to confirm whether his party would continue to endorse Mr Jessop, Mr Palmer said: “Every Australian is entitled to a fair trial and presumption of innocence”.

Pressed on whether the party would continue to back the candidate, he added: “Our party candidates are on the website”.

Australian businessman Clive Palmer has indicated he will not dump under-fire Trumpet of Patriots candidate Michael Jessop who is charged with stalking and possessing weapons. Picture: Dan Peled/Getty Images

Mr Jessop was arrested last year, with police alleging he stalked a man and tried to place a mobile device on his car.

He was allegedly found at a property with a hammer, samurai sword, compound bow, body armour, a cadaver bag, shovel, axe, rope and duct tape.

Last week, Mr Jessop told a local newspaper he would fight the charges, saying he could not discuss the matter except that “unconditional discharge is all I’m going for basically”.