Derryn Hinch pulls pin on mayoral bid due to the excessive cost of running a campaign

The 80-year-old former senator and radio personality has made a shock call less than a month after announcing his bid to be the next Lord Mayor of Melbourne.

Derryn Hinch will no longer run to be the next lord mayor of Melbourne. Picture: Jason Edwards

Derryn Hinch has pulled out of the race to be the next lord mayor of Melbourne.

The 80-year-old former senator for Victoria and radio personality cited the excessive cost of running a campaign as the reason for his surprise withdrawal less than a month after announcing his tilt.

“This is sad but practical and realistic,” Hinch stated in a social media post on Tuesday night.

“I have decided to withdraw as a candidate for lord mayor of Melbourne. Having talked to advisers, I have concluded that a genuine campaign would cost between $250,000 and $500,000.”

“Money I don’t have and wouldn’t expect to raise. The Justice Party cost me a lot. And I have skin cancer hurdles.

“Would have loved to have given it a shot. Sorry.”

Last month Hinch revealed to the Herald Sun he was planning to run in October’s election with the slogan “Make Melbourne Magnificent” as he sought to “get the city back on its feet” and fix problems with the “woke council”.