Lawrence Yule will campaign for the National Party in the Tukituki seat this year.
He said he's loved serving the people of the Bay as Mayor, and looks forward to earning their trust to be their next National MP.
But despite his popularity in the electorate, the Prime Minister said he will have his work cut out.
Bill English said he expects every National Party candidate to understand their local community and to work hard on persuading voters they're good representatives of it.
"He's certainly got a lot of experience and I believe he would make an excellent member of Parliament, but look we don't take that connection with the community likely."
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