Former independent Tony Windsor has announced he will run against deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce for the seat of New England in the upcoming federal election.
Mr Windsor retired in the lead up to the 2013 election, citing health and family reasons.
But he says Barnaby Joyce's handling of the northern New South Wales electorate has compelled him to return to federal politics.
After a brief retirement, Tony Windsor is back.
The former independent Member for New England will now attempt to oust the man who replaced him when he retired in 2013:
The leader of the Nationals and deputy prime minister, Barnaby Joyce.
Mr Windsor says he is in for a fight.
"We'll mount a full-scale, grassroots campaign. And I'm fully aware that it'll be a David and Goliath* event, and I'm looking forward to that."
But the margin may not be quite so Biblical.
A Reachtel poll in January found 32.2 per cent primary support for Mr Windsor, compared with 39.5 per cent for Mr Joyce -- down from 54 per cent at the last election.
Mr Windsor enjoyed strong support for more than 20 years as the Member for New England, from 1991 to 2013.
Speaking at a press conference in Canberra, he set the stage for a campaign focused on environmental issues, including mining and climate change.
"When you look at the agricultural white paper -- and I'm sure no-one has, because there's not much in it -- but when you look at it, it barely mentions climate as an issue. How can you possibly develop a white paper looking at addressing the future of agriculture in this country without looking at the implications, the potential risks, of climate change?"
Mr Windsor says his support for the Gonski education reforms and a fibre-to-the-home National Broadband Network are also among his reasons for returning.
Earlier today, Barnaby Joyce told reporters outside his electorate office in Tamworth he was ready to defend his record.
"I'm ready to make sure to put my record on the line, for our service to the people of New England, my service to the people of New England. I've been overwhelmed with the support that I've got by people within the New England. My phone's been ringing off its hook with people saying that they're backing the job that we're doing in the New England. I think there's a clear position. Obviously, we have the deputy prime minister's office in New England, and there is a real stategic advantage with that."
Mr Windsor is critical of Mr Joyce's time in office.
He says the Nationals leader has not paid proper attention to the potential risk of contamination to groundwater sources in the Liverpool Plains from mining and coal-seam gas extraction.
"The current Member has done absolutely nothing, in terms of that issue. Nothing. In fact, he's been complicit by neglect."
Meanwhile, local Fairfax Media is reporting New South Wales Greens upper house M-P Jeremy Buckingham is close to announcing a run for the same seat.
