THE Liberal Party's Ballarat election campaign is today in tatters following the surprise resignation of celebrity candidate Russell Mark.
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The party last night entered crisis mode with Liberal State Director Brian Loughnane planning talks with Mr Mark.
Merv Collins, who was to have this week taken over as Mr Mark's campaign manager, said he was staggered by the decision.
"He's made a bit of a fool of himself and everyone else," he said.
The Olympic gold medallist, who won pre-selection for the Ballarat seat in March, announced his resignation yesterday through a one page media release.
Sources told The Courier Mr Mark had yet to offer his formal resignation to the party.
In the media release Mr Mark cites "irreconcilable differences" with key party members over the campaign as his main reason for quitting.
He says questions had been raised over his commitment to the campaign.
"I believe with my current doubts and disillusions I have no option but to resign my nomination," he says.
But party members said they were shocked by the decision and that Mr Mark had been a popular candidate.
Mr Mark could not be contacted yesterday.
He was not at his home at Lake Gardens and a his front fence was padlocked.
Federal ALP candidate Catherine King expressed shock at the news.
"It doesn't leave Ballarat people much of a chance to get to know the new candidate," Ms King said.
A spokeswoman for Opposition Leader Kim Beazley described the news as extraordinary.
"It just shows that they are in disarray," she said.
Mr Loughnane and Ballarat MHR Michael Ronaldson, who is to retire from Parliament at this year's election, both said the party's commitment to the coming Federal Election had not wavered.
"We remain committed to vigorously contesting the next election and to the election of a Liberal candidate," Mr Ronaldson said.
