A radio icon and former senator has pulled the pin on a short-lived bid to become a major city’s lord mayor.
Derryn Hinch, a prominent radio personality and former senator, has recently announced his withdrawal from the race for Melbourne’s lord mayor position. The decision, conveyed via social media, was prompted by the daunting financial requirements of mounting a campaign, estimated to range between $250,000 and $300,000. Hinch, aged 80, expressed his disappointment at being unable to pursue the opportunity due to financial constraints, stating, “Money I don’t have and wouldn’t expect to raise… Would have loved to have given it a shot. Sorry.”
Hinch’s political background includes a term in the Senate from 2016, where he led Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party. Despite initial success, with three MPs gaining seats in the Victorian parliament in 2018, the party faced setbacks, including one member’s departure to become an independent and the loss of seats by the remaining two after a single term, leading to the dissolution of the party.
His decision not to contest the mayoralty came after deliberations with advisors regarding the potential campaign costs, as disclosed to his social media followers. This announcement comes nearly a month after Hinch initially declared his intentions at the end of February, ahead of the upcoming October local government elections.
It’s worth noting that Melbourne’s current Lord Mayor, Sally Capp AO, secured a second term in 2020, although she has yet to confirm her candidacy for the upcoming elections.
Recognized as a former stalwart of Melbourne’s 3AW radio station, Hinch acknowledged his financial limitations upon announcing his candidacy, further compounded by health challenges such as his ongoing battle with skin cancer and a liver transplant in 2011.
