National MP Todd Barclay wins tense Clutha-Southland selection battle

National MP Todd Barclay will contest the Clutha-Southland seat next year. Photo / File

National's Clutha-Southland MP Todd Barclay has survived a challenge to be re-selected and will contest the next election.

Barclay, 26, has had a difficult first term in Parliament after taking over from long-serving Clutha-Southland MP Bill English.

But he has survived controversy over staff resignations and a selection challenge from a former top funds manager who worked in London, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Simon Flood was challenging Barclay for selection for next year's general election. Flood, who lives in Queenstown with his wife and children, aged 2 and 6 months, has previously declined to comment on the challenge.

He returned to New Zealand last year after a 25-year career in London, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

This month. police confirmed they would not lay any charges in relation to an allegation against Barclay.

That investigation came after an allegation Barclay made secret recordings of a staff member. Three staff members in his office have left since he won the seat in September 2014 with a 14,886-vote majority.

Barclay said he was "thrilled" to be re-selected.

"And I look forward to getting on the campaign trail and earning the right to continue to serve Clutha-Southland in Parliament.

"One of the great things about National is the democratic process we run, so I want to thank all my supporters for giving me the opportunity to continue to represent them."