Phil Twyford

Wellington, March 23 NZPA - Labour list MP Phil Twyford is not saying whether he will continue on his elusive quest for an electorate candidacy at the next election.

Mr Twyford recently lost out to Labour MP Carmel Sepuloni for a shot at winning west Auckland's Waitakere electorate from National counterpart Paula Bennett.

Ms Sepuloni came in ahead of party nominees Ann Pala, Hamish McCracken and Mr Twyford.

It is not Mr Twyford's first tilt at an Auckland electorate.

He sought to replace Helen Clark in Mt Albert when she stood down last year, but lost out to David Shearer.

Many people believe this was because his election would have brought former Cabinet minister Judith Tizard into Parliament as she is next on the party list.

It was also widely believed that Mr Twyford would seek the Auckland Central nomination, but in the end only fellow list MP Jacinda Ardern put her name forward.

Mr Twyford was philosophical today.

"I was disappointed about missing out on Waitakere but it was a fair democratic process," he said.

"We had three candidates standing, who were all capable of beating Paula Bennett... and I am entirely happy with that."

Mr Twyford said he was happy with his position in the party.

"I am privileged to be doing the work as a Labour list MP and leading Labour's fight against the super city. I think we are doing a great job as a team and I am going to continue to do the work I am doing."

Mr Twyford refused to say whether he would seek nomination in another seat.