It seems Troy Delmege’s political career is over before it even began.
Back in February, the former Married At First Sight star revealed that he would be challenging for the seat of North Sydney at the upcoming federal election on May 18.
The budding politician has even set up a campaign website where he vowed, if elected, to ‘End traffic congestion, abolish the senate, clean up parliament, and fight for small business’.
However, the reality star has bailed on his plans after failing to raise enough money for campaign funds.
‘Sadly, I wanted to let you all know that my campaign has come to a conclusion,’ he announced via Instagram on April 25.
‘I was hoping to raise a sufficient level of campaign funds to quickly build a campaign infrastructure to get the message out to every corner of the electorate. Unfortunately, I have come up short.
‘Yesterday I decided not to continue with the campaign, which was a very tough decision, since I’ve always wanted to do this and see it through to the very end. Ideally, I would have begun the campaign 12 months ago.’
It is not known how much Troy managed to raise, but one follower did question what would happen to the money that had already been donated.
‘Expenses have run a bit higher than funds raised but happy to refund to anyone who requests it,’ he replied.
Incumbent Liberal MP Trent Zimmerman told The Mosman Daily he had a hunch Troy’s campaign was not genuine.
‘My suspicion was that it was about attracting a bit of media and it’s disappointing when people treat the electorate with such disrespect,’ he said.
Troy was paired with flight attendant Ashley Irvin on last season’s MAFS, and he is best remembered for his furious teeth-brushing incident.