Greens strategist hits out at Married At First Sight star's shock new career in politics: 'Makes you wonder how committed he's going to be'

Married At First Sight star Timothy Smith has announced his intention to run as an independent against Greens party leader Adam Bandt for the federal MP seat for Melbourne.

And it seems the reality star has already ruffled some feathers within the Greens camp - as a strategist from the party dealt a swipe at the TV groom on Saturday. 

The insider questioned Tim's foray into politics, pointing out a glaring issue with the announcement video he posted to Instagram on Monday, reported news.com.au. 

Tim, 52, who has previously been jailed for attempting to smuggle marijuana from Canada to the US 17 years ago, said in his video it was time for a 'change'.

However, an inside source from the Greens party noted that Tim doesn't seem to know what 'change' he is fighting for just yet.  

'Usually people make up their minds why they're running for parliament before they make the announcement, which makes you wonder how committed he's going to be,' they said.  

'While [Tim] spent the entire announcement talking about himself and griping about the media, we've been spending this month talking about helping parents get their kids to public school with an $800 back to school payment, building homes to fix the housing crisis and stopping new coal and gas mines to stop the climate crisis.'

Tim, who shot to fame following his failed televised marriage to Lucinda Light during the 2024 MAFS season, posted his announcement to run for the Member of Parliament seat on Monday. 

'Look, I've officially thrown my hat into the ring to run for Minister of parliament for the City of Melbourne [sic] for the upcoming federal election,' he said, mixing up his political terms. 

Federal MPs are 'Members of Parliament', different to Ministers, and the position Mr Bandt, 52, holds would be representing the 'Division of Melbourne' which is different to the City of Melbourne—a local council in the city's CBD. 

'Had to get this out there. Look, let's make a change. The time is now I've got some more stuff to put out there,' Smith continued.

'I believe that we can make a change timing has never been better to make a change so together let's do it.'

Daily Mail Australia broke the news of Tim's move into politics earlier this week, when it was reported he had received advice from A Current Affair star Seb Costello.

Costello was recently stood down by Channel Nine over an alleged on-camera chase which saw he and his crew accused of over-zealous filming by Oak Capital's Mo Ahmed.

Nine is reviewing allegations Costello assaulted the finance executive during an on-camera chase that ended in a women's toilet, but he has retained the network's full support. 

Costello has denied the allegations. 

Amid the probe, Costello was said to have been offering career advice to Tim, who denied working with Costello during his announcement video. 

The unlikely duo were seen stepping out for dinner together in November, with the real reason behind their meet-up now finally revealed. 

The federal seat of Melbourne is currently held by Greens leader Mr Bandt and Smith plans to run against former AFL star Anthony Koutoufides for the position.

'Two recognisable faces will be going head to head with their established media profiles,' a source told Daily Mail Australia. 

'The official announcement will be dropping on Monday.'

Costello has a wealth of knowledge in the politics sector as his father is Peter Costello, who served as the treasurer of Australia under John Howard's government.

After taking on Costello's words of wisdom, the MAFS star is now believed to have signed up former local council candidate Luke Balasingam as his campaign manager.

Tim has acknowledged that he is not like other politicians but wants voters to understand that he is passionate about local issues.

'Not having the usual pedigree of a politician is something he also thinks will work in his favour,' the source added.

'Most professional politicians have never run a private enterprise. They know how to spend money like drunken sailors but have they run a small business?'

Tim said he hopes his campaign with 'resonate' with the average Melbourne voter as he shared his desire to win the federal seat.

'The average politician seems to be waiting for the next golden handshake. I think I will bring something fresh to the conversation,' he shared.

'I am from a small town. I was raised by blue collar workers and I think that is something that will resonate with the average Melbournian.'

He believes he has gained a wealth of knowledge from his public profile and regular engagement with his MAFS fans. 

Speaking about his past on A Current Affair last year, an emotional Tim expressed his regrets after being caught smuggling marijuana.

'I was a helicopter pilot in North America who did something really stupid,' he said, revealing he was paid to take flying lessons for the purpose of trafficking.

'It's something I'm not proud of. I'm definitely not proud of it, but it doesn't define who I am and I'm not the same person I was 17 years ago.'

 Tim was famously coupled up with Lucinda Light on the 2024 series of MAFS, but the couple went their separate ways before Final Vows.

They remained friends after the show but have since fallen out, with Smith saying their feud was because of their different lifestyles and approaches to friendship