United Australia party directs preferences to Coalition in key marginal seats

Clive Palmer walks back promise to preference incumbents last as part of concerted campaign against the two major parties

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Clive Palmer's United Australia party will preference the Liberals and Nationals ahead of Labor in a swathe of key marginal seats, in a boost to Scott Morrison's election prospects.

Despite Palmer previously promising the party would preference all incumbents last as part of his concerted campaign against the two major parties, UAP has decided to direct preferences to at least three Liberal incumbent MPs in key marginal seats, including Gladys Liu in Chisholm, Fiona Martin in Reid, and Bridget Archer in Bass.