Andrew Constance expected to run in Eden-Monaro byelection

It is still to be confirmed if the Nationals will run a candidate in the contest caused by the retirement of Labor MP Mike Kelly, after NSW deputy premier John Barilaro pulled out of the race on Monday morning.

Mr Constance, who like Ms McBain, has been praised for his response and representation of his community during the summer's bushfire crisis had said he wouldn't be making his intentions known before Tuesday and may even take until Wednesday.

While the Liberal party's preselection process is open for nominations until Friday, Mr Constance appears to be the favoured candidate. On Monday a spokesman for Senator Jim Molan, who is based in Queanbeyan, said he was "keeping his options open" in making a decision on whether to make a play for the seat.

Ms McBain, who could now become the first woman to hold the seat, was endorsed by the party's national executive on Monday afternoon after Labor leader Anthony Albanese publicly endorsed her as his favourite for the job straight after the announcement of Dr Kelly's retirement.

"I expect that Kristy will receive strong support. Kristy is a stand out as a local representative," Mr Albanese said.

With the byelection campaign on the horizon, Ms McBain said it "shouldn't be a spotlight on national issues", and said she intends to focus on drought and bushfire hit communities, and how they can rebuild after COVID-19 regulations are eased.

"I want to keep things focused on Eden-Monaro. I think Mike Kelly has been a fabulous member, and he really connected with people because he wasn't a career politician, and I want to continue that legacy," she said.

Ms McBain said she made her decision to shift to the top tier of politics in order to help improve the opportunities available for regional communities from "the inside", after years of lobbying government as mayor.

She was quick to take aim at the federal and state governments, saying the region had been "left behind" after the recent bushfire emergency, and questioned why the struggling region has not been drought declared.

"We have people still living in tents and caravans on their properties," she said.

When questioned about her party membership, Ms McBain said she had recently rejoined the party after previously letting her membership lapse.

"My values have always been aligned with the Labor Party," she said.

"I am here for my community. I'm here because I want to represent my community."

Ms McBain wasn't the only name considered by Labor's national executive, with Yass businessman Michael Pilbrow also nominating, saying he was "disappointed there will not be a rank-and-file vote of party members in the electorate".

"Our members across the electorate volunteer their blood, sweat and tears for our party and deserve a say in selecting candidates for political office," he said.

Another local Labor member said they also felt the party should have held a rank-and-file pre-selection vote rather than a "captain's pick".

NSW Liberal State Director Chris Stone said the party was looking for a candidate with experience and local knowledge.

"The Morrison Government's focus is very much on keeping Australians safe and rebuilding - rebuilding an economy devastated by coronavirus and rebuilding local communities devastated by the fires," Mr Stone said.

"We will listen, work hard and deliver for the people of Eden-Monaro at this very important time for our nation."

It is understood former Liberal candidate for the seat Fiona Kotvojs also intends to run for pre-selection for the party.