The son of former Queensland premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen will lead the Palmer United party into next year’s state election.

Palmer United party federal leader Clive Palmer confirmed John Bjelke-Petersen will replace Alex Douglas, who quit the party earlier this year.

Palmer says Bjelke-Petersen was the obvious candidate for the leadership.

“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,” Palmer said in a statement.

Bjelke-Petersen had already been endorsed as the party’s candidate for the seat of Callide, where he’ll stand against Liberal National party (LNP) incumbent and Queensland deputy premier Jeff Seeney.

Bjelke-Petersen quit the LNP earlier this year, citing disgust at the Newman government’s lack of support for regional Queensland.

He said he was excited to take on the challenge of leading PUP into the 2015 Queensland election.

“[Premier] Campbell Newman and his government have failed Queensland and Queenslanders,” he said.

“It is time that Queenslanders were represented by a government who is focused on building the state’s economy, creating jobs and providing opportunities for local industries.”

PUP has been without a leader in Queensland since October, when its two state MPs – Douglas and Carl Judge – quit the party.

Douglas cited concerns over the selection process for candidates, while Judge said he could better serve his electorate as an independent.

Bjelke-Petersen’s father, Joh Bjelke-Petersen, was Queensland’s longest-serving premier, holding office from 1968 to 1987.