Aaron Gilmore has moved to spare himself and the National Party any further embarrassment today.
The embattled MP was due to attend a party conference in Wanganui, taking part in an `Ask the MP' session this afternoon.
Party officials had strongly suggested he found something else to do, following the intense interest in his behaviour this week.
Wanganui MP Chester Borrows understands Mr Gilmore is staying at home in Christchurch.
"We've had a text from Aaron saying that he's not coming today and we're really looking forward to celebrating and strutting our stuff in Wanganui amongst our National Party colleagues.''
