Mandurah Liberal David Forbes steps down after controversial 'Office Nazi' tweets

David Forbes, the Liberal candidate for Mandurah, has quit in the wake of his controversial social media posts. According to a WA Liberal spokesman, Forbes has stepped down as candidate for the seat.

Forbes’ departure comes after local media revealed his reference of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as a “laughing stock” in one of his posts. Forbes had also denounced Turnbull’s decision to a double dissolution last year, calling it “egotistical.” Forbes was the Liberal candidate for the seat of Mandurah.

In two of his tweets, he said women were bad employees – referring to them as “Office Nazis.” One of these tweets read, “Don't forget to watch out for the Office Nazi, often disguised as a woman." The other read, "How will you know that she is an Office Nazi?"

Forbes also expressed his criticism for former innovation minister Wyatt Roy. “Innovation advice for ex-MP, ex-minister Wyatt Roy: Now, go get a real job, learn about real people and the limitations of articulate BS,” Forbes wrote.

According to WA Premier Colin Barnett, there was a “falling out” between Forbes and his campaign team. "Sometimes that happens, but you know we haven't even got to the election period yet so he's stood aside and the new candidate will be nominated," Barnett said. "The scrutiny is thorough, but sometimes people may say things that others find to be wrong, but I remind you he stood aside — he wasn't sacked in any sense, he stood aside."

As reported by the Mandurah Mail, a spokesman from the Liberal party said they would look for a substitute candidate as the formal start of the campaign draws near.

Forbes’ Twitter account was taken down following the exposure of his posts in a local newspaper. According to his LinkedIn profile, he is an independent research analyst and communications coach, and adjunct research fellow at Curtin University. He was an adviser to an Australian federal senator in 2015-16. He has described himself as a "former world head of security risk management and creator of the first global regional security management team in the express logistics sector.” He is noted to have experience in radio, TV and print news media.

Forbes’ departure comes just a day before the writs for the state election are issued, AAP (via Perth Now) reports. The nominations for party candidates will close at 12PM on Feb. 9.