Pete Evans the politician: Chef to run as senate candidate

Controversial celebrity chef Pete Evans is set to run as the first senate candidate for the new Great Australian Party, which was launched by former One Nation senator Rod Cuttleton. Cuttleton made the announcement on Friday and welcomed the anti-vaxxer into the party fold.

Despite repeatedly claiming the coronavirus is a hoax and casting doubt on official health information from the government, the former My Kitchen Rules host was described as someone who has “inspired others in the face of common adversity” and “possesses the essential attributes required to challenge the status quo”.

“Renowned Australian chef, restauranteur, author and television presenter, Pete Evans has been approved to run as a NSW senate candidate for the Great Australian Party in the forthcoming federal election,” the statement read.

“Pete Evans has maintained his principles and inspired others in the face of uncommon adversity. Pete is fully supportive of the GAP ethos, supporting restoration of the Commonwealth and the preservation of democracy in Australia.”

For immediate release!

Pete Evans has been approved to run as a NSW senate candidate for the Great Australian Party. pic.twitter.com/qvomivlRMW

— Rod Culleton – Former Senator (@RodneyNCulleton) February 11, 2021

The statement went on to say that Evans has “consistently demonstrated courage in exposing matters of public information and interest” and has provoked much needed debate throughout the country.

“I believe Pete Evans will effectively and diligently represent the GAP’s growing membership base and all NSW constituents,” it read. “Pete possesses the essential attributes required to challenge the status quo and restore the rule of law as defined in our constitution.

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Pete and welcome him onboard as GAP’s first federal candidate for the NSW senate.

The announcement has been met with mixed views from the public, with some concerned the new platform would give Evans greater means to spread his controversial health views. In 2020 the chef was fined $25,200 by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for claiming a $15,000 light machine could be used against coronavirus. He has also opposed vaccinations, sunscreen and fluoridated water.

Facebook suspended his official account last year for repeatedly spreading misinformation about Covid-19.

“Someone should tell Mr Evans he has had his 15 minutes of fame and he should just quietly fade away,” one person commented on Twitter.

Another said: “I used to really like this guy but now I just feel like he has gone off the deep end in his ideas.”

However, others have already come out in support of the chef with one person writing on Twitter: “He’d make a good senator. Stands up for what he believes is right and can stare down opposition. Certainly not afraid of media bullying. Onya Pete.”