Palmer United Party Queensland MP Alex Douglas has resigned as the Queensland parliamentary leader and intends to quit the party.

Dr Douglas said he could not support a “jobs for the boys” culture in the fledging party.

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The member for the Gold Coast seat of Gaven joined the party in April 2013, after quitting the Liberal National Party (LNP) months before.

“When I resigned from the LNP in November, 2012, I publicly stated there was a culture in the LNP, and there still is, of looking after mates and relatives, and that I do not support these flawed ideas,” Dr Douglas said in a statement released on Monday.

“I cannot support, nor will I endorse, actions taken that defeat principles that I strongly adhere to.”

Dr Douglas believes PUP was planning to release a list of preselected candidates using a process that he does not support this afternoon for next year’s state election.

“I do not support ‘jobs for the boys’,” he said.

“I have had no involvement in the preselection of candidates.

“From my understanding, this process does not reflect principles which I firmly support.

“The public are crying out for politicians to be open, accountable, honest and are looking for committed community champions to represent them.”

Dr Douglas and Carl Judge both resigned from the LNP in November 2012 to become PUP’s only two members in Queensland Parliament.

Dr Douglas complained at the time that the public did not want to see a “blunder-through method” of governance.

The ABC has contacted PUP leader Clive Palmer for comment.