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May 11th, 2013 
PETER Slipper’s membership with Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party has “ceased” only hours after it was announced he had joined the party.
The party posted an announcement on its website tonight saying founding members had made the decision, barely five hours after announcing Slipper had been accepted.
“Under clause D26 of the constitution of the party, a majority of foundation members have decided that the membership for Peter Slipper has ceased forthwith,” the statement said.
UAP member Alex Douglas, who officially joined the billionaire’s party barely two weeks ago, tweeted the news tonight.
“Peter Slipper has had his membership rejected by a majority of the founding members through the constitution of the UAP,” he said.
Fellow UAP MP Carl Judge also shared the news.
Carl Judge said the decision had been made by party executives. “I became aware of the situation, simple as that, and I was pleased with the action taken by the party executive,” he told The Courier-Mail.
Rejected: Former Speaker Peter Slipper is not joining Clive Palmer’s party. Picture: Gary Ramage
“UAP Executive have promptly disallowed/rejected membership of Peter Slipper. Federal Leader Clive Palmer will be making more announcements.”
Mr Slipper tonight said he was “invited” to join Clive Palmer’s party but announcements of his joining the United Australia Party were premature.
The federal member for Fisher said he had been prepared to help Mr Palmer obtain registration for his party because he believed in “political diversity” but decided to withdraw his application.
Clive Palmer
“I was unaware that any announcement was being made today of my possible involvement with the party and I regret that this occurred without my knowledge,” he said in a statement.
“I wish Clive Palmer and the UAP well.”
He said he had notified the UAP of his decision.
Earlier today The Courier-Mail reported that Mr Palmer confirmed Mr Slipper had applied to become a member of the Party – and his application had been accepted.
A United Australia Party statement said Bill Schoch – Mr Palmer’s Coolum Resort manager – remained the Party’s endorsed candidate for Fisher in the next Federal election.
The statement said: “United Australia Party Secretary and endorsed candidate for the seat of Dickson Clive Mensink said the United Australia Party was an open and inclusive party that welcomed members from all political, social and economic backgrounds.”
“The United Australia Party is about delivering common sense policies to the nation,” the statement said.
Mr Palmer said the Party wanted to create more jobs and build a stronger economy.
“Taxes need to be reduced to stimulate growth in the economy and restore consumer and business confidence.
The rot has to be stopped.”
United Australia Party intends to field candidates in all seats at the September 14 election.
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