Clive Palmer still suing WA Premier for defamation after all, apologetic spokesman says

Mining mogul Clive Palmer is still suing Western Australia’s Premier for alleged defamation, despite his office issuing a statement yesterday stating the action had been withdrawn.

In a statement, Mr Palmer’s media adviser yesterday said the billionaire’s lawyers had written to WA Premier Mark McGowan advising him a defamation case against him would be withdrawn.

It was made at the same time he announced Mr Palmer would not contest the WA election, saying Mr McGowan could “breathe easy”.

But today his adviser, Andrew Crook, explained he made the statement without Mr Palmer’s approval and it was incorrect.

Mr Crook says the statement should have referred to separate contempt of court proceedings Mr Palmer has against the Premier and the WA…