PREMIER Campbell Newman has announced the Queensland Election will be held on January 31.

3pm: Palmer United Party leader Clive Palmer says he has a bombshell about the Newman

Government that will blow the election campaign wide open.

Speaking to the media near his Sovereign Islands home on Tuesday, Mr Palmer slammed the LNP for announcing the election in the middle of the school holidays.

He said he would reveal to the world the reason for the election’s timing - but not today.

He said PUP would field about 50 candidates in the election, with a campaign launch slated for January 18.

He also said his candidates would call for an upper house to be returned to the Queensland Parliament.

2pm: When asked about his chances in his seat of Ashgrove, Premier Campbell Newman said: “I won’t be winning Ashgrove if we don’t win the State”.

“Look, the campaign in Ashgrove is the same as the campaign across the State. It is essentially - who do you want as Premier? Campbell Newman, with a strong team and a strong plan. Or do you want Annastacia Palaszczuk who has had three years and has squandered the opportunity to create real policy competition? They don’t have a plan.

“So, I won’t be winning Ashgrove if we don’t win the State and vice versa. That’s the bottom line.”

And if he loses Ashgrove?

“If I’ve lost, Annastacia Palaszczuk will be Premier. That will be a real problem for Queensland because she has no plan, I’m afraid, for Queensland.

“It means that there are a number of LNP people who aren’t in Parliament any more.”

On when he decided on the election date: “I have been working on that for a number of days, going back to just before Christmas. But I did not make the decision until late on Sunday. I thought long and a hard about what was best for Queensland.”

1.45pm: Premier Campell Newman says the January 31 Queensland election is the “most important for many, many years”.

“There is much uncertainty around at the moment, certainly in Australia domestically and the world,” he said.

“It’s really important that we keep Queensland on track for a bright future.

“I make the point to Queenslanders that we simply can’t have the sort of political chaos that we have seen in other States and sadly at the Federal level in the last few years. That’s a very real possibility because this is going to be a tight election.

“Labor, through the support of wasted votes going to independents and minor parties, could fall across the line.

“Annastacia Palaszczuk could be the next Premier of Queensland if people buy some of the nonsense that the Labor Party are spouting.

“If the Labor Party aren’t ready, if they don’t have a plan, if they don’t have a vision for Queensland right now, that’s not my problem. They’re the ones who have to explain to Queenslanders what they would do if they did get across the line.”

1.25pm: Premier Campbell Newman said all ministers are “no longer on leave” and will be back from their holidays as soon as possible.

Mr Newman said the ministers were “delighted” the election would be held on January 31.

He said Queensland will become the economy of Australia this year.

“Thousands of jobs will be created in the Galilee Basin and the Queen’s Wharf redevelopment,” Mr Newman said.

He said Labor could “limp across the line” with the help of minor parties, independents and “wasted votes”.

media_camera Premier Campbell Newman. Photo Adam Armstrong.

“We need to get on with the job ... of providing certainty for businesses so that they can employ people so that we can continue to see the economy of this great state repaired.

“The Queensland economy this year will become the lead economy of any Australian state but we need to keep going.”

1.15pm: Premier Campbell Newman says Prime Minister Tony Abbott is “more than welcome” to come to Queensland to help campaign, but “the election is not about Tony Abbott”.

Mr Newman also said he would like to run candidates in every seat but “that’s not always possible”.

1pm: Premier Campbell Newman has announced the State Election will be held on January 31.

The premier made the announcement at a press conference at 1pm.

12.45pm: Premier Campbell Newman issued a statement naming the economy as the key reason for the snap election.

“The Queensland economy is showing significant signs of recovery, and – particularly in uncertain times – it’s vital that we don’t risk stagnation caused by election speculation,” he said.

“It’s become obvious to me we can’t waste any time implementing our strong plan for economic growth and job creation.

“Both the unions and the Labor opposition have already stated Queensland is ready for an election, showing they are well and truly in electioneering mode.

“I will not let the State’s recovery be damaged by endless electioneering from Labor, the unions and minor parties.”

media_camera A Labor volunteer places corflute signs outside Government House on the day Premier Campell Newman announces the date of the Queensland Election. Picture: Getty

He pleaded with voters to give his government a second term.

“We are asking for the opportunity to keep working on our economic blueprint; one that will best position Queensland for a strong and prosperous future,” he said.

“This is the most important election in many years: it will decide if Queensland reaps the rewards of staying the course through unsettled times, or squanders that opportunity for a future again mired in debt, deceit and reckless economic management.

“Only a strong and united Government can provide Queensland with a bright economic future, a strong health and education system, and a community that’s a safe place in which to live, work and raise a family.

“The other choice is the chaos that will come with Labor flopping over the line with wasted votes to the minor parties and independents. The polls show this is a real risk for Queensland.”

He said the electoral rolls would close on Saturday.

12.40pm: Bob Katter’s Australian Party has narrowed its ambitions dramatically in the Queensland election, targetting as little as one dozen seats across the regions.

The KAP, which fielded up to 70 candidates in the last federal election, says it will work to its strengths and Premier Campbell Newman’s weakness.

KAP member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter said Mr Newman was most vulnerable in the Queensland bush.

He believes there are a number of regional seats in the KAP’s grasp, including Hinchinbrook in the north, and Gympie where Kenilworth dairy farmer Shane Paulger will run.

“We will confine ourselves to keys seats in regional Queensland which we know we have a chance of winning,’’ Mr Katter said.

“We will work to our strengths.’’

Mr Katter said the Palmer United Party’s stocks were clearly on the decline while the KAP had maintained a strong presence in the regions and inside the State Parliament where the KAP holds three seats.

KAP members, along with party founder Bob Katter Senior, are expected to hold a press conference Tuesday afternoon at Parliament House.

12.30pm: The LNP is still yet to announce candidates for South Brisbane, Redlands, Gladstone and Bundamba.

Meanwhile candidates have rushed to get their campaigns underway around Queensland.

11.45am: Premier Campbell Newman has confirmed that Queensland will head to the polls on January 31 ... via Twitter.

Mr Newman posted this morning: “This morning I visited the Acting Governor. Writs have been issued for 31 January 2015. The most important election in many years.

The election is expected to focus on a number of key issues, including jobs and unemployment, law and order, the slashing of frontline services and asset sales.

This morning I visited the Acting Governor. Writs have been issued for 31 January 2015. The most important election in many years. #qldpol — Campbell Newman (@theqldpremier) January 6, 2015

Labor leader Annastacia Palaszczuk has already also indicated she will be pushing her party’s “clear vision in education”, while Palmer United Party state leader John Bjelke-Petersen will also focus on rural issues.

The LNP’s so-called “Plan B”, relating to who will lead if Mr Newman fails in Ashgrove will also come under scrutiny.

10.25am: Premier Campbell Newman has left Government House after a short meeting with Acting Governor Tim Carmody.

After arriving at the Rosalie residence just before 10am, he left at 10.25am without speaking to waiting media.

He is expected to hold a media conference at 1pm.

10.01am: Premier Campbell Newman has arrived at Government House.

8.35am: PREMIER Campbell Newman has taken to Facebook to tell Queenslanders he’s taking them to the polls.

“Queensland’s economic recovery is too important to be jeopardised by ongoing election speculation,” Mr Newman wrote.

“I’m planning to head to Government House this morning to ask the acting Governor to issue writs for a state election.

“No time to waste securing Queensland’s economic future with our strong plan for job creation.”

He is expected at parliament house within the next few hours.

media_camera Premier Campbell Newman arrives at Government House this morning. PIC: Anthony Weate

EARLIER: BRISBANE’S rain did little to dampen the Premier’s spirits as he stepped out for a morning jog ahead of one of the biggest days of his career.

Campbell Newman, joined by wife Lisa, emerged from their inner city home about 5.45am, just hours before he is due to announce the date of this year’s State election.

It is expected that Premier Newman will announce that Queenslanders will go to the polls on January 31.

“It’s a very important, historic day for Queensland,” Mr Newman said.

“The election will be all about continuing with a very strong plan and a strong team to deliver that plan to Queensland.”

media_camera Campbell Newman will travel to Government House to inform acting Governor Chief Justice Tim Carmody of his decision. Picture: Adam Armstrong

Mr Newman is currently on holidays but will travel to Government House to inform acting Governor Chief Justice Tim Carmody of his snap decision.

He said the public will have to wait “a couple of hours” for details of when voters will go to the ballot box.

“It will be announced today after I follow due process and talk to the governor,” Mr Newman said.

“It’s going to be such an important election … we can’t afford to lose the ground that we have gained in the last two years and nine months.”

Mr Newman said important reforms and job creation during his term as Premier must be continued for the state to “stay the course” for a brighter future.

“I’m putting forward to Queenslanders that they can continue to see a very effective and strong plan for the state particularly to create jobs and to get the economy going,” he said.

“That’s the reason I’m calling this early … because this is the best thing for Queensland.”

Earlier

PREMIER Campbell Newman will today name the date Queenslanders go to the polls.

Mr Newman is currently on holidays but will return to work today to send voters to the ballot box as early as January 31.

Senior Government sources said the Premier was concerned that ongoing speculation over the date could create uncertainty and damage the state’s economic recovery.

SUPPORT: Bikies to back Labor

GALAXY POLL: LNP, ALP in dead heat

His decision will pit Mr Newman against first-time Labor Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk in what will be a hard-fought campaign.

The LNP will use the election to seek a mandate to privatise the state’s power and port assets.

Bikie laws, unemployment, health and education and the economy are also expected to be the issues to dominate the campaign.

The LNP currently holds government with a whopping 73 seats, down from the initial 78 seats its won at the 2012 poll after three MPs — Ray Hopper, Carl Judge and Alex Douglas — defected, MP Chris Davis quit and disgraced MP Scott Driscoll resigned before he was found guilty of contempt of Parliament and fined by the House.

Labor wins Stafford by-election Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has admitted it would be a tough race to win the next state election.

Labor currently holds just nine seats in the 89-seat Parliament.

The latest Newspoll revealed the LNP and Labor were locked at 50-50 support on a two-party preferred basis, with the LNP just one point ahead on primary support, 37 per cent to Labor’s 36 per cent.

Minor parties including PUP and Katter are expected to try to win over voters who are disillusioned with the major parties.

One Nation founder Pauline Hanson has also thrown her hat into the ring.

Labor initially held on to just seven seats following its 2012 election drubbing but has clawed back two more seats in the House following two successive by-elections in which voters punished the LNP via massive swings of 17 per cent and 18 per cent against the Government.

The Premier issued a mea culpa to voters after its Stafford by-election loss, reversing some controversial measures and employing its Operation Boring media strategy in a bid to focus voter attention back on its policy strengths in areas including health and education.

The ALP is hoping to pick up at least 20 more seats but some in the party believe they have what it takes to wrest back power.

The LNP, however, is confident it can retain government, albeit with a smaller majority.

media_camera Campbell Newman set to name poll date.

Mr Newman is likely to be dogged by speculation over whether or not he can hold on to his own seat.

The Premier holds the Ashgrove electorate he wrested from former Labor minister Kate Jones with a margin of just 5.7 per cent and Ms Jones is running against him in a bid to win it back.

The Premier was due to travel to India on Friday for a week-long trade mission.

It is unclear whether Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who copped some of the blame for the Liberal’s election loss in Victoria, would campaign with Mr Newman.

The Premier dodged questions about whether or not Mr Abbott would join him on the campaign trail when asked before Christmas.

After storming to office with a record landslide, the Newman Government has courted controversy regularly throughout its first term, sparking mass protests over its job cuts, privatisation plans and anti-bikie laws.

Its first term in office also saw clashes with the judiciary over sentencing and the appointment of Chief Justice Tim Carmody, as well as its reforms to the Crime and Corruption Commission.

The minimum campaign period under Queensland law is 26 days. This means the earliest date an election could be held is on Saturday, January 31.