Bega MP Andrew Constance has confirmed to Sydney media what he told regional voters several weeks ago - he wants to leave politics when the bushfire recovery is complete.
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Mr Constance was quoted in the Sydney Morning Herald on March 10 that it was a case of "recovery first, and then I will go".
His statement reinforced comments he made to Australian Community Media on February 15 in Mogo when a constituent, Sherrie Nye, publicly urged him to run for Prime Minister.
As the national media gathered to film the birth of a pop-up mall in Mogo, the Yuin ranger thanked the Bega MP for his efforts since the bushfire on New Year's Eve.
"A lot of people are really impressed, just as much as me, in the response we have had from Andrew Constance," she said.
"I believe that Andrew Constance should be the face of Australia; he should be PM."
Mr Constance wasn't so sure: "No, it is called recovery and then retirement, I think, for me," he said.
"It is lovely that people are saying this, but it is our community caring for each other that is the biggest thing at the moment and you can't care for each other unless you have been through this," he said.
He said Ms Nye's endorsement was "nice to hear, but ...".
Asked directly if he was ruling out a bid for the top job in federal politics, he replied: "150 million per cent."
READ MORE: AC for PM? 'No thanks,' says Bega MP
