Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule has confirmed he will seek the National Party nomination for the Tukituki electorate.
Last year the mayor was re-elected for a sixth and final term as Hastings mayor - after a campaign where he assured the public he would remain in the role for the full term.
However, he announced today he will be vying for the role of Tukituki MP, with nominations for the seat to close on Monday at noon.
"The decision to stand for Parliament has been a complex one," he said. "My immediate priority remains as Mayor of Hastings, including resolving the water issues by the middle of 2017".
"It would be an honour to represent the people of Tukituki in Parliament should that opportunity eventuate and this will ultimately be a decision made by the voters. I believe I can make a real difference for the people of Hastings District, Tukituki and the Hawke's Bay region in Wellington."