Aspiring MP forced to pull out of preselection race over $249 fine

An aspiring MP has been forced to withdraw from the preselection race for a plum Melbourne seat because of a minor offence committed more than 25 years ago.

Emanuele Cicchiello was one of four candidates who had nominated for the Eastern Metropolitan upper house seat in the Victorian Parliament, which has been vacated by Mary Wooldridge.

Emanuele Cicchiello, right, pictured campaigning with John Howard in 2007.Credit: Andrew Taylor

But Mr Cicchiello said he had become aware he was ineligible to sit in the Victorian Parliament because he had improperly claimed a concession public transport fare and been fined $249.

Mr Cicchiello said he pleaded guilty in the Magistrates Court more than 25 years ago but no conviction was recorded.

"I was young and I made a mistake. I have never hidden that," he said. "But I don't think any fair-minded Victorian would imagine something like that would have such far-reaching consequences," he said.

Mr Cicchiello, who is a deputy principal at a high school, said people who learnt from their mistakes should be allowed to put their hands up for public office.

"I would ask both major political parties to consider reviewing the particularly harsh eligibility provisions outlined in the Victorian constitution," he said.

He previously contested the federal seat of Bruce.

Mr Cicchiello's withdrawal leaves just three candidates in the race. He had been considered a frontrunner alongside Asher Judah, who contested the 2018 election in the Bentleigh electorate.

Maroondah councillor Nora Lamont is the only woman to nominate, while Matthew Bach is also in the race.