John Banks looks unlikely to stand for Act and is considering a rematch for the Auckland mayoralty, which he says was the best job he ever had.
Mr Banks had been widely tipped to be an Act party candidate in this year's election, but his relationship with some influential members
of the party has soured.
In a face-saving move, he is making noises about wanting to contend the Auckland mayoralty, which he lost last year to Dick Hubbard.
The Herald understands Mr Banks would be unlikely to secure a high list ranking - possibly being ranked behind all the present Act MPs with the exception of Deborah Coddington, who is not standing again, and new MP Kenneth Wang.
Act and Mr Banks had been enjoying an amicable courtship.
But at last month's party conference he annoyed some members when he told the media he would insist on being near the top of the list if he were to stand.
He also said he had conducted polling - without the knowledge of the party - in the Auckland electorate of Tamaki that showed he would win if people wanting a centre-right government voted strategically.
He also refused to deny he was aiming to be party leader.
There was a sense after the conference that Mr Banks, a former National Cabinet minister, had over-pitched himself.
The Herald understands Mr Banks feels upset by the way he has been treated.
Yesterday, he said he was not going to force himself on anyone.
"The Auckland mayoralty was the best job I ever had.
"It was a great job working with great people. I only have good memories."
