Michelle Dracoulis is taking another crack at state politics, but this time she’s going it alone.
The Derwent Valley mayor has confirmed she will be running as an independent for Lyons in the July 19 state election.
“After careful consideration and with the nod from my incredibly supportive husband and kids, I can now announce that I’ll be contesting the upcoming Tasmanian state election as an independent candidate,” Dracoulis said.
Dracoulis previously secured Labor endorsement for Lyons in December 2023 but pulled out two weeks later, citing the need to focus on her mayoral duties.
“I’m not a member of any political party and I give my commitment that I’ll attempt to work constructively with all duly elected members for the betterment of our great state,” she said.
“I’ve demonstrated my commitment to community and my resolve to tackle even the toughest of issues in the heaviest of political weather.”
The mother of four has positioned her campaign around political standards and accountability.
“This election will be an opportunity for us to draw a line in the sand,” she said.
“To have a say on the standards we accept and the kind of future we would like to see for us all.”
Dracoulis was first elected mayor in a February 2022 by-election and was re-elected later that year.
