Wanganui Deputy Mayor Hamish McDouall has asked for leave of absence from council duties as he ramps up his campaign as Labour Party candidate in the Whanganui electorate.
Mr McDouall has written to Mayor Annette Main and chief executive Kevin Ross informing them of his intention.
"I will still be attending meetings. I haven't missed a single one this term, but some of the other council activities I will not be able to put my time into," he said.
He would continue to fulfil his deputy mayoral duties.
"The mayor is going away in early September and I will be acting mayor for that time."
Mr McDouall said his decision reflected the tightness of the race for the Whanganui seat.
"It's on a knife edge. There are a lot of undecided voters out there, people disaffected with the Government and with the current MP."
The leave of absence begins immediately, lasting until election day, September 20.