Federal election 2025: The Trumpet of Patriots candidates with convictions, charges and more

Controversial Candidates in the 2025 Australian Federal Election

This article exposes the backgrounds of several candidates from the Trumpet of Patriots party, highlighting their past legal troubles, financial issues, and other controversies. The candidates' pasts raise concerns about the party's vetting process.

Criminal Charges and Convictions

• Jessop, facing criminal charges, denies any wrongdoing.
• Gabrial Pennicott, a former conman, has a criminal record and is bankrupt.
• Mark Aldridge resigned after being revealed to be banned from possessing firearms.
• Allan Taruste, a candidate with multiple driving offences, confirms his past was known to the party.
• David Sarikaya, a convicted fraudster, faces allegations of unauthorized counseling and was found to have falsely claimed a PhD.

Other Controversies

• Suellen Wrightson, the party leader, had a mid-range drink-driving charge with no conviction recorded.
• Milton Wilde, another candidate, is a former bankrupt who has faced repeated bankruptcy attempts.
• Ganesh Loke, a candidate, sued the Department of Education for racial discrimination; the claim was dismissed.

The article questions the vetting processes employed by the Trumpet of Patriots party in selecting their candidates.