‘Cringeworthy’ clip of Paul Toole’s hotted-up Kia Stinger slammed

Deputy Premier Paul Toole has come under fire for a “cringeworthy” ad promoting his love for cars on his social media six months out from the state election.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole in a new advertisement.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole has come under fire for a “cringeworthy” ad promoting his love for cars on his social media six months out from the state election.

The clip features the Deputy Premier driving his electorate vehicle – a sporty-looking Kia Stinger – down a tree-flanked road, spliced with slow-motion clips of the car in action.

The 28-second video – complete with a heavy rock soundtrack and slowed shots of the state’s deputy leader exiting the vehicle – caused a stir in NSW parliament with MPs privately and publicly mocking the production.

Labor MP Rose Jackson, known for calling a spade a spade, wasn’t overly complimentary about the lushly-produced snippet – posted with a message that it was “great to be back in the Bathurst Electorate”.

“Talk about cringeworthy – he’s a Member of parliament, not (multiple Bathurst 1000 champion) Mark Skaife. Politicians trying to be cool generally come across super lame,” she said.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole’s new advertisement.

Mr Toole in the advertisement.

Mr Toole, who has represented Bathurst since 2011, first got the Kia Stinger – which can go from zero to 100 km/h in under five seconds – in 2019.

For those driving west of the Blue Mountains, it’s hard to miss – with an unmistakeable customised paint job including the MP’s own name emblazoned on its sides.

Deputy Premier Mr Toole posted the revhead clip to social media. Picture:Monique Harmer

Mr Toole’s office said no costs went into the production of the video and running costs for the vehicle are met in accordance with electoral guidelines.

The Bathurst MP said his vehicle paid homage to his elecortate’s once-a-year supercar racing drawcard – the Bathurst 1000, which kicks off next week.

The video has been described as “cringeworthy” by some of the Deputy Premier’s Parliamentary contemporaries.

He added – tongue-in-cheek- he was “devastated” others in Macquarie Street didn’t enjoy the clip as much as he did.

“The Bathurst electorate is home to the biggest supercar racing event in the country, which is on next weekend and will attract over 200,000 people,” he said.

“The video is a nod to that. I’m devastated that the film critics of Macquarie Street have given it only one star.”