NSW Deputy Premier Steps out of Eden-Monaro Running

NSW Governor David Hurley, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro pose for a picture with on January 23, 2017 in Sydney, Australia.Daniel Munoz/Getty Images

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro says he will not contest the federal seat of Eden-Monaro in an upcoming by-election, potentially clearing the way for coalition colleague Andrew Constance to shift to federal politics.

The NSW South Coast seat was vacated last week after popular Labor member Mike Kelly retired due to ill health.