Labor star Michelle Dracoulis quits as state election candidate for the second time

Michelle Dracoulis, the high-profile Labor candidate who quit the state election contest on Thursday night has jilted the party before. Is she the ALP’s runaway bride?

Tasmanian Labor leader Rebecca White with candidate Michelle Dracoulis (Lyons) at St Andrews Park, Hobart on Sunday. Ms Dracoulis has since quit as a candidate. Picture: Chris Kidd

UPDATE: Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis’ decision to withdraw as a Labor candidate for Lyons is the second time she’s jilted the party.

She was previously endorsed as the party’s candidate in the federal seat of Fairfax, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast ahead of the 2018 election.

But just weeks after being preselected, she changed her mind.

“As a mother of four children and a small business owner, I’ve found it increasingly challenging to balance this with the strong community-based campaign the people of Fairfax deserve,” Ms Dracoulis said in a statement ay the time.

“It’s simply not my time, and like any parent, I must put the needs of my family first.”

Replacement candidate Sue Ferguson went down to Liberal-National incumbent Ted O’Brien, despite securing a 4.49 per cent swing.

EARLIER: One of Labor’s high-profile contenders has withdrawn as a candidate for the next state election.

Derwent Valley Mayor Michelle Dracoulis was preselected in the seat of Lyons just two weeks ago.

But on Thursday night she told a council meeting she was withdrawing.

“On the 1st of December, a few short hours after I had been told, the Labor Party announced that I had been endorsed as a candidate for the next state election.

“It is an honour to be chosen as a candidate, and I know there is a lot I can offer in this space. It’s a also great opportunity for me as a person.

“In the days since the announcement, I have had many conversations, received many messages, and read the comments on our local community boards. I agree with the comments that the Derwent Valley deserves a mayor that will offer stability, and that we are going through a period of growth and change that requires full dedication from those that lead it.

“I’ve had a lot to think about, and I have come to a conclusion. I choose here. I choose us.
“And I have drafted my resignation of candidacy, which I will send at the conclusion of this meeting.”

Ms Dracoulis on Wednesday received a code of conduct caution over a social media post she made about the council’s dispute with the New Norfolk Distillery this year.

She said her withdrawal was not related to the caution.

“I received notification of that code of conduct on November 27, before my nomination. I’ve been aware of the code of conduct the entire time … the party knew about that and there were no concerns,” she said.

Mr Dracoulis also said her decision was no reflection on the Labor Party.

“I still think we need some change at state level, it’s an interesting space at the moment. There’s issues all around the state. In my patch it’s education, policing and lack of affordable housing,” she said.

Labor leader Rebecca White, who announced several state election ALP candidates on Sunday, acknowledged Ms Dracoulis’ decision.

Liberal Member for Franklin Dean Young. Picture: Chris Kidd

“While I’m disappointed Michelle Dracoulis has made this decision I can understand her commitment to continue serving her community as Mayor of the Derwent Valley. 

“I wish Michelle all the best and will continue to work with her to deliver the best outcomes for the residents of the Derwent Valley.”

Liberal Member for Franklin Dean Young said the loss of a high profile candidate was a major blow to Labor.

“Labor’s 2025 election campaign is already in tatters after a star candidate has been crossed off the list, sensationally withdrawing their candidacy and deciding against running for the embattled party.

Mr Young said this is was another blow for Ms White’s leadership.

“Just four days after White’s second attempt of a candidate launch, Labor’s candidates are raising the white flag, choosing not to involve themselves with the party of negativity,” he said.

“It’s clear that Labor’s own candidates aren’t interested in Labor’s toxic, divisive culture.

“How many more will back away from whishy washy White before Christmas?

“Bastian Seidel quit saying the Labor team was toxic, and clearly, it still is!

“If they can’t govern themselves, how can they possibly govern Tasmania.”

Originally published as Labor star Michelle Dracoulis quits as state election candidate for the second time