ANGRY Anderson is withdrawing his candidacy for the electoral district of Cessnock in the upcoming NSW election.
Rose Tattoo frontman and long-time community activist Gary ‘Angry’ Anderson was preselected as The Nationals candidate for the seat of Cessnock in September 2014.
“A lot of people in the Hunter are fed up with politics as usual, and I intend to shake things up a bit,” he said after his preselection.
“We’ve got a solid set of policies to take to the election but I think you need more than that – you need people in parliament with the integrity and courage to speak up for ordinary families."
Mr Anderson said in a statement on Saturday he had made the difficult decision to withdraw for personal reasons.
“I believe in Cessnock and I think there is just such great potential for the area and so much to be optimistic about," he said.
"But it has been let down by successive Labor members and the area has to be brave enough to make a change for the better to a new representative.
“For personal reasons I have decided that I am unable to be that standard bearer.
“I passionately support the National Party and I will stand shoulder to shoulder with whoever is selected to fight for Cessnock and Kurri Kurri’s fair share."
NSW Nationals Leader Troy Grant said the Party respected Mr Anderson’s decision and wished him luck for the future.
“I have great respect for Angry and accept his decision to withdraw his candidacy."
The NSW Nationals will immediately move to select a new candidate for the seat of Cessnock and will advise their details shortly.