Boscawen seeks nomination for Epsom

ACT MP John Boscawen. File photo / APN

Act President and former MP John Boscawen says he will seek the party's nomination to stand in Epsom at this year's general election, and is also seeking to become party leader.

Mr Boscawen said he would immediately stand aside as President until the party's board selects its new leader and Epsom candidate over the weekend of February 1-2, leaving the board chaired by Vice President Barbara Astill.

"We must rebuild our previous support and parliamentary representation and I believe that I am the best person to lead the party into the 2014 election," Mr Boscawen said in a statement.

Along with Mr Boscawen former philosophy lecturer and currency trader Jamie Whyte has confirmed he will seek the Epsom nomination and leadership while former John Banks staffer David Seymour has confirmed he will seek the Epsom nomination as well.

He came in on the party's list in 2008 and served as Minister of Consumer Affairs and Associate Minister of Commerce between 2010 and 2011. He didn't seek re-election on the party list at the 2011 election but continued in his role as Deputy Leader before being elected President early last year.

Former President Chris Simmons is still considering whether to seek the Epsom nomination but former Act Leader and Epsom MP Rodney Hide along with high profile outsiders Matthew Hooton and Michelle Boag who were tipped as possible contenders have all ruled themselves out.