In announcing his decision yesterday, Mr English (51) said representing one of the country's largest electorates had required considerable travel and time away from his family, particularly since he became a minister.
''I have therefore decided that it is a good time to strike a better balance between my family and government commitments.''
He will continue as MP for Clutha-Southland until the election next year and was ''strongly committed to the re-election of a John Key-led Government'' in 2014.
Mr English joined the National Party in the early 1980s, and was elected to represent Wallace (the wider Winton-Wyndham area) in 1990, retaining the electorate as it grew to Clutha-Southland in 1996 and incorporating Queenstown in 2008.
Mr English met his electorate committee in Gore yesterday to inform them of his decision.
''I will miss it [the electorate] but it will give me a bit more time for the Government ... a bit less pressure on family time too.''
''It has been a privilege to represent the electorate since 1990 and I have particularly enjoyed working for my constituents.''
