Clive Palmer’s UAP launches candidates ahead of Victorian state election

Clive Palmer’s UAP has announced its full cast of candidate characters five weeks out from the state’s election.

United Australia Party has announced its full cast of candidate characters five weeks out from the Victorian election.

The Clive Palmer-founded operation has put forward 15 candidates for Upper House seats across the state, led by state party leader Geoff Shaw.

Mr Shaw said the would-be MPs’ goal is to offer a distinct alternative to mainstream Labor candidates.

“United Australia Party candidates will run in every Upper House seat to deliver the change Victoria is crying out for,” he said.

UAP leader Clive Palmer with Victorian leader of the party, Geoff Shaw. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Luis Ascui

“Under Dan Andrews’ Labor Government, Victorians have known nothing but chaos, restrictions and uncertainty, while the Liberal Party offers nothing but weak alternatives.”

He also hit out at the state government’s policies during the pandemic.

“Victorians are suffering from policies that have destroyed families, small businesses and jobs,” Mr Shaw said.

“I am very pleased to lead a team of excellent United Australia Party candidates to bring economic certainty and freedom for all Victorians,’’ Mr Shaw said.

Former Qantas worker, Kelly Moran has also been picked as the party’s deputy leader and candidate for the Northern Metro region in the Legislative Council.

“Now it’s time to make a change in Victoria and I want to be part of that change,’’ Ms Moran said.

Senator Ralph Babet is the only UAP politician in federal parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

“I will continue to fight for my colleagues to make a difference for Australia.

“The current Victorian State Government has trampled on the individual rights and liberties of its citizens, ever since it has been in control,’’ she said

UAP Chair Clive Palmer said last week the party had lofty ambitions for the upcoming election despite lukewarm results at the federal election.

“We are concentrating fully on gaining the balance of power in the next Victorian parliament with our very strong Upper House ticket,” he said.

Daniel Andrews’ Labor government currently holds 55 of 88 lower house seats. It needs at least 45 to form a majority government.

UAP currently has just one MP in Federal parliament with Ralph Babet representing Victoria in the Senate.

The Victorian election is set to be held on November 26.