KEY POINTS:
National's problem child says he has served his time and is ready to return to the caucus fold.
Rakaia MP Brian Connell is suspended from the National caucus following a board resolution that it had no confidence in him.
A series of incidents culminated with Mr Connell infuriating then National leader Don Brash by making public comments about a caucus meeting where his personal life was discussed.
While not welcoming him back with open arms, yesterday new party leader John Key did not rule out a possible return to the fold for the maverick MP.
"Brian Connell was excluded from caucus by caucus and it will ultimately be a decision from our caucus if he gets to come back," Mr Key said.
"I don't think there's any great rush to re-enter into that debate."
Mr Key said he would not try to contact the MP this week, a statement which did not surprise or offend Mr Connell.
"I think he's got other things on his mind and more important things to worry about at the moment," he said.
"I think if the situation was reversed I would probably have been making the same sort of statements, so I don't feel affronted."
Mr Connell said he endorsed Mr Key as National's leader, and that he was keen to return to caucus.
"My dispute was with Dr Brash, that is taking care of itself, so in due course I would like to be back in the caucus making a contribution to getting rid of the current Government."
Mr Connell had reportedly been refusing to cut his hair until Dr Brash was overthrown as leader. Yesterday he downplayed that story, and said the length of his hair was a personal decision.
"I didn't grow my hair for the benefit of Dr Brash, I grew it because I like it the way it is."