Wayne Swan says he's not a candidate for the Labor leadership.
The former treasurer says he's worked very hard to hold the north Brisbane electorate of Lilley and has promised to be an attentive local member this term.
"I'm certainly not a candidate for leadership, I've said very clearly to my electorate that I want to spend time in the electorate," Mr Swan told ABC radio on Monday.
"I focusing on all the issues on the ground in my electorate.
"I think I can more effectively do that if I don't have a front bench position."
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He said after Labor's defeat it was a time to be "better, not bitter" and there were many who could lead the party, like Bill Shorten, Anthony Albanese and Tanya Plibersek.
"I've got a great deal of regard for both men, I've got a great deal of regard for Tanya as well," Mr Swan said.
"I don't intend to canvas the strengths and/or weaknesses of any particular candidate publicly, I think the party needs to work its way through this issue like it needs to work it's way through a range of issues."
