Carter to skip Selwyn seat

David Carter has decided not to stand in National's plum safe seat of Selwyn, saying it will help local party members put acrimony from the ousting of Brian Connell behind them.

Mr Carter was selected for the newly created electorate last year, but the selection was reopened after complaints from local party members that Mr Carter was parachuted in without giving others a chance.

Nominations for the coveted National seat in the South Island reopened last Friday and Mr Carter said he was "confident" he would have won selection.