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ELISE Chapman has pulled out of the upcoming federal election, citing personal issues.
The City of Greater Bendigo councillor was the lead Senate candidate for One Nation in Victoria.
In a statement on her Facebook page and the official Pauline Hanson’s One Nation website, the party announced it would be looking for a new candidate to take Ms Chapman’s place.
“It is with regret that we announce that our Victorian Senate candidate, Elise Chapman, has had to withdraw her candidacy for the upcoming election, due to personal issues,” the statement reads.
“Elise is a hard working and dedicated person who cares for her community and we wish her the best with her continued role as a Bendigo councillor.
“We have had ongoing interest regarding Senate positions in Victoria and will be looking forward to announcing new candidates soon as soon as interviews are completed.”
A One Nation spokesperson told the Bendigo Advertiser the split was “amicable” and the party wished the councillor the best.
“She said there were personal reasons and that she wants to commit to council and make sure she’s not over committing herself,” the spokesperson said.
“It is a big job to take on, standing for the Senate, you’ve got to cover all of Victoria, and Elise is quite busy with community events and council, so that’s the decision she made.
“We are disappointed, of course it was disappointing, but Elise needs do what’s right by her and we appreciate her honesty with us about her commitments.
“We fully support her and wish her the best.”
The spokesperson said the all the money made from a fundraiser in February
Ms Hanson launched her federal election campaign for Victoria in Bendigo in February alongside Ms Chapman.
In a fundraising event at the Shamrock Hotel, the former fish and chip shop owner from Ipswich compared her career to that of the real estate agent and farmer from Marong, saying both had been branded racists for standing up for what they believed in.
The spokesperson said all money from that fundraiser was spent on hiring the venue, providing food and advertising the event.
“We’re still going to have at least two Senate candidates in Victoria, we’re going to have at least two candidates in each state,” the spokesperson said.
Ms Chapman has been contacted for comment.