Nick Xenophon brings the sex factor in tribute to Mali’s famous election splash

Comeback candidate Nick Xenophon has taken the (freezing) plunge in a new stunt inspired by the Premier’s infamous photo op. See the video

Nick Xenophon has taken inspiration from Premier Peter Malinauskas in the lead-up to next weekend’s federal election.

The senate candidate has stripped off to reveal his “ripped rig” in an online video with the hopes that he is able to replicate Mali’s success at the recent state election. Expect one distinct difference between the two men – Nick’s abs were bought online.

“Peter’s got abs and I’ve got flabs,” Nick says.

The video show’s Nick plunging into a freezing cold pool declaring “these abs may not be genuine, but I am 100% genuine for South Australia”.

Nick hopes it will let voters know to vote for him above the line on the senate paper, where he is represented by the letter O rather than his own name.

Senate candidate Nick Xenophon gets out the fake abs in tribute to Mali’s big guns.

Premier Peter Malinauskas winning the state election with his daughter Eliza at the Adelaide Aquatic Centre. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“I’m used to doing ridiculous stunts, but this is actually very serious because so many people have told me they can’t find me above the line, “ he says.

“So I’m resorting to wearing fake abs, but I can’t compete with the Premier. One day I do hope to look as good as that body suit.”

Premier Pete famously caused a stir when he posed shirtless at a media call to announce Labor’s plans to upgrade the North Adelaide Aquatic Centre with the Sunday Mail dubbing him “commander in beef”. The term has since gone viral and “commander in beef” bumper stickersdepicting Mali in his swimmers are now being sold through the popular Insta page Just Adelaide Things.

But Nick, who describes his own fitness routine as more “F 45 seconds” rather than F45 says he hasn’t hit up the Premier for any workout tips just yet.

“I haven’t been in contact with him, but I do think he’s an inspiration to any politician who wants balance their fitness with their work,” Nick says.

“If I do get into the senate we are going to besties whether he likes it or not because I want to do things for the state and I intend to squeeze money out of anyone who forms government to do great things for South Australia.”