Controversial ex-Fairfax MP Clive Palmer has announced his eponymous political party will contest the next federal election.

In a statement issued on Friday morning, Mr Palmer said the Palmer United Party’s executive committee had resolved to contest the next federal election, which could be held as early as this year.

Clive Palmer has announced his Palmer United Party will contest every seat at the next federal election. Credit:AAP/Jono Searle

It would be an unexpected return to politics for Mr Palmer, whose party was deregistered in Queensland in 2016.

He has since been embroiled in a lengthy court process over the collapse of Queensland Nickel, which resulted in nearly 800 job losses in Townsville and a debt of $300 million.