Former MP Paul Quinn has decided not to return to Parliament.

Quinn was in line to replace outgoing National list MP Dr Jackie Blue, but has decided he has achieved everything he can in politics.

Quinn said he wanted to spend time focusing on his business interests, and on carpark disagreements with members of the public.

His most notable achievement during the three years he spent as an MP was to back a law that deprives some people of the right to participate in our democracy.

The opportunity to disenfranchise more people in our society was not enough to convince Quinn to return.

Blue’s place in Parliament is to be taken instead by career civil servant, Paul Foster-Bell.

Former parliamentary colleagues of Quinn are reported to be devastated at the news that he will not return, none more so than Hutt South MP, Trevor Mallard.

While it is not clear who will replace Quinn as National’s Hutt South candidate, it appears highly unlikely that the person will have same gravitas.