The man who had been considered the likely front-runner in National's Clutha-Southland selection is not putting his name forward.
Simon Flood (52) said yesterday it was not the right time to seek selection for the ultra-safe National seat.
"My wife and I have made our plans for the future. Recent events were obviously a surprise to us.
"We have looked at the opportunity, which I think is a good one, but I just don't think the timing is right.''
Mr Flood took his time ruling out a run.
Just before embattled MP Todd Barclay stepped down as 2017 candidate almost four weeks ago, Mr Flood said he wanted to let the process take its course.
It is understood he has been taking soundings from within the party since then.
The local National Party remains divided by the fallout from Mr Barclay, who has been accused of secretly recording a staff member.
Party sources said the bad feeling in the electorate was not going away.
It was affecting the mood around the selection, the sources said.
Mr Flood declined to comment when asked about divisions in the electorate.
Mr Flood, who lives in Queenstown with his wife and two young children, returned to New Zealand in 2015 after a 25-year finance career in London, Hong Kong and Singapore.
He challenged Mr Barclay for the selection last December and lost.
Nominations for the seat close today.
Southland Federated Farmers president Allan Baird (51) confirmed yesterday he had put his name forward.
If selected, he would try to bring the electorate together.
"I am familiar that there's obviously some wounds to heal, and I'll be doing my utmost to ensure that we get cohesion back in the party.''
Mr Baird, of Benmore, near Dipton, is married with two sons.
The only other confirmed candidate is former Dunedin South candidate Hamish Walker.
When contacted, Gore District councillor Nicky Davis said she was likely to put her name forward today, and others were understood to be considering it, too.
Clutha Southland National Party electorate chairwoman Margot Hishon could not be contacted for comment.
