Former Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett will no longer seek nomination from the National Party to be its candidate in the Mana electorate.
The former Labour Party stalwart jumped ship last year, becoming a paid-up member of National.
He intended to run in Mana against incumbent Labour MP Kris Faafoi at this year's election.
Education Minister Hekia Parata's decision to step away from politics left a vacant space for the party in the electorate.
However, Newshub can now reveal Mr Leggett has since changed his mind. He denies he was told to stand down by National's top dogs - claiming it was a personal choice.
"No, it's just about making a choice to spend more time with my family before it takes a toll, we're just sort of at the stage in life, my wife and I, where we're obviously keen to dedicate a bit of time to raising our kids".
When asked if he decided to not seek the nomination because he thought he may lose, Mr Leggett said that had no bearing on his decision.
"I would've given it a good go, but at the end of the day it wasn't so much about whether I'd win or lose, it was about what was best for me and best for my family."
It remains unclear who will now stand for National in Mana, an electorate Mr Faafoi won by almost 8000 votes at the 2014 election.
As for Mr Leggett, he's not ruling out a return to politics later in life, but will continue his career of consulting and look at other opportunities.
Newshub.
