WEDNESDAY night's candidate forum in Bathurst left some scratching their heads after one candidate appeared, but did not participate.
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Sustainable Australia's Michael Begg was spotted in the hallway just after the forum had started and later took a seat in the crowd, where he then stayed.
His presence came as a surprise to convener Stuart Driver, who understood that the candidate had withdrawn from the forum.
On Thursday morning, Mr Begg sent an email to several of the candidates, Mr Driver and the Western Advocate, implying he was intentionally excluded.
"I turned up last night with my corflute at 7.15pm and to my complete horror Tim [Hansen] was on stage already talking," Mr Begg wrote.
"The time on my invitation was 7.30pm. Other members of the public turned up at the same time as me ... There is no excuse for starting a meeting early especially when I had confirmed my attendance."
Mr Begg said he didn't know if he should have announced his presence, but ultimately decided to sit in the audience, where he "watched the show".
Following the forum, Mr Driver told the Western Advocate that Mr Begg would have been given the opportunity to speak if he announced his presence.
"It was understood that Michael was not going to attend and the other candidates were of that view," he said.
"I understand that he arrived just as the forum started, I did not know, but if he had have approached, I would have ensured his participation, and that would have been to the benefit of all in attendance."
It is understood that some candidates invited Mr Begg to the stage when they saw him arrive.
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