EXCLUSIVE: Madeleine West ‘ENDS her burgeoning political career as she drops out of NSW State Parliament race to focus on podcast on exposing pedophiles’
Madeleine West is reportedly saying farewell to her burgeoning political career, almost a year after announcing her intention to pursue a seat in the NSW State Parliament.
Chron Australia has exclusively received an unreleased statement from the Neighbors star, 42, explaining she is shifting her focus to a new podcast about paedophiles.
In the leaked statement, she describes how she had spent the past year meeting with members of the Ballina community to run for NSW Parliament.
Chron Australia has exclusively received a pre-written statement from Madeleine West, 42, about her decision to drop out of the race for the NSW State Parliament
“The past few months have shown me that Parliament is not the best platform for me to make changes right now,” she said, before adding that she would no longer contest the Ballina seat.
“My passion has not waned, nor has my commitment to my community. This was a difficult decision prompted by personal matters that currently require my full focus,” she continued.
“As a mother of six young children, Parliament House is not the best place for me at this stage in my family’s life.”
The former Neighbors star is reportedly shifting her focus to her new podcast Predatory, which is all about exposing pedophiles and sex offenders
The actress said her time could be better spent “in our community” than in “weeks in Sydney”.
“I remain an advocate and ally. I remain committed to equality and equal opportunities – my focus remains on raising awareness of domestic violence and being a committed environmentalist.”
Madeleine added that she is now focused on her new podcast, Predatory, which is all about exposing pedophiles and sex offenders.
“As a mother of six young children, Parliament House is not the best place for me at this stage in my family’s life,” she explained in the leaked statement
She co-hosts Predatory with former police detective Gary Jubelin.
Last April, the star appeared on Channel 10’s The Project to discuss her intentions to pursue a career in politics.
“I believe politics is for the people and it’s about being the voice of the people. You don’t need a qualification to become a parliamentarian,” she said at the time.
Last April, the star appeared on Channel 10’s The Project (pictured) to discuss her intentions to pursue a political career
“Apparently you just need accountability, you need to care about your community, and you need to have the will to make people feel safe.”
The Byron Bay resident said she was inspired to take action after taking part in flood clean-up operations on the north NSW coast.
“Where I live, I’m running for the seat of Ballina. We’ve been hit by floods and bushfires and the pandemic has brought my community to its knees,” she continued.
“I care about sustainability and the future and possibilities and I care about accountability and responsibility for your actions and I care about making my community thrive and feel safe,” the star added.
“I’m fortunate to have a national platform, yes, but I think that makes me uniquely qualified to bring the spotlight to local issues because what we’ve been through is realistically a microcosm for the rest of Australia to experience. “
Madeleine co-hosts Predatory with former police detective Gary Jubelin. Pictured together