Former Conservative Party leader Colin Craig is promising two "significant announcements". Photo / Nick Reed
Former Conservative Party leader Colin Craig appears set to confirm a comeback this afternoon.
Mr Craig has called a press conference in Auckland, and is promising two "significant announcements".
He would not confirm his plans, but has ruled out leaving the party or quitting politics altogether.
The party's founder and main financial backer also hinted that he would he would seek to reclaim the leadership of the party, possibly at a later date.
"Politics is all about comebacks," Mr Craig said.
Since resigning as leader last month, he has been gauging support among the membership through a postal ballot.
He said he had received around 2000 responses from members, and around 75 per cent had been supportive.
The Conservatives have slumped in the polls since Mr Craig's resignation and the party's subsequent collapse. In the latest TV3 poll, the party picked up just 0.7 per cent of votes - down from 4.1 per cent on election day.
Mr Craig said he would be surprised if the polls hadn't fallen given the allegations against him and the party's near-disintegration last month.
After resigning, he held a press conference with his wife Helen to admit inappropriate conduct with his former press secretary Rachael MacGregor.
The details of this conduct were suppressed by a confidentiality agreement signed between Mr Craig and Ms MacGregor.
Despite both parties saying they wanted to waive the agreement, it still remains in place.
Mr Craig said this matter would not play a big part in this afternoon's press conference.
After Mr Craig's admissions of inappropriate behaviour, the party's board all but dissolved. The party is now attempting to elect new board members.
'He has disregarded our voice and continued with this divisive kaupapa.'