Greens candidate for Calwell quits to run for new party

The Greens candidate for the federal seat of Calwell has spectacularly resigned to run for a new, highly anticipated political party.

The Greens candidate for the federal seat of Calwell has spectacularly resigned to run for another party ahead of the upcoming election.

Community worker Mohamed El Masri will unveil his Upper House candidacy for a new, highly anticipated political party on Saturday.

“I want to thank the Greens for the opportunity to represent my community and look forward to working together in the future, with the situation changing and new opportunities to represent my community available, I have decided to hand over the baton,” Mr El Masri said.

“I believe the community of Calwell needs a shift from Labor and I wish the new Greens candidate the very best.”

A Greens spokesman thanked Mr El Masri for his hard work, saying his campaigning in Calwell highlighted the strong support for the Greens policies on cost of living, advocacy for Palestine and the environment.

The party is now set to preselect nurse Ravneet Garcha, who is of Indian heritage, and has lived in northwestern Melbourne all her life.

“Calwell needs improved infrastructure that meets the needs of the community,” Ms Garcha said.

“I want to be a strong independent voice fighting for renters, getting dental into Medicare and Palestine. Together we can turn Calwell Green, keep Peter Dutton out and get Labor to act.”

Her candidacy is expected to be finalised next week.

Originally published as Greens candidate for Calwell quits to run for new party