Disgraced National MP Aaron Gilmore won't comment on speculation he plans to run for the soon-to-be vacant Christchurch East seat, when Labour's Lianne Dalziel takes on her bid for the Christchurch mayoralty.
Mr Gilmore, who stood unsuccessfully for the seat in 2008 and 2011, said on his blog Mighty Rocket that the public had been asking him what he was going to do.
"The answer to that is simple. The by-election is not likely til after Show Week. So good things come to those who wait," he said on his blog.
Mr Gilmore said he was "hounded out of public office" and had "learnt to hold my cards very closely. Bottomline, I do not want to see Labour hold onto the seat as I do not think this is the best thing for the people".
When asked at today's post-Cabinet conference for a response on any return of Mr Gilmore, Prime Minister John Key said "yeah" and cleared his throat.