The NSW Transport Minister and Member for Bega, Andrew Constance is leave State Parliament by the end of the year, and will nominate for preselection as the Liberal candidate for the Federal seat of Gilmore at the next election.

His ambition to move into Federal politics was flagged last year, when he considered running for Eden-Monaro before withdrawing.

Gilmore is one of the most marginal seats in Australia, with Labor’s Fiona Phillips gaining it with just a 2.6% margin after 20 years in Liberal hands.

At the last election, the Liberal Party parachuted in Warren Mundine over local candidates following the retirement of Ann Sudmalis.

Mr Constance lives in Gilmore and after 20 years in State Parliament is well known on the South Coast, including for the role he played advocating for the region during the bushfires. He is hoping to gain local Liberal party support to run as the endorsed candidate.

Until this announcement, he had been thought of as a candidate for Premier.

(updated)