Ex-staffer locks Palmer party office

Former Palmer United Party staffer Tess Lazarus has refused to hand over the keys to the party's Canberra office.

PUP national director Peter Burke said he had written to the sacked staffer, who is the wife of now-independent senator Glenn Lazarus.

Senator Lazarus quit the party last week over a dispute with leader Clive Palmer.

"I have requested she return the keys to our Canberra operation, which she has had personal control of," Mr Burke said in a statement.

"Mrs Lazarus has so far refused to comply."

Comment is being sought from Mrs Lazarus.