Earlier this month, Mr Constance announced he would leave state politics to run for the South Coast seat of Gilmore - though he is yet to formally resign from his seat of Bega.

It was a move that had the backing of Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

"Andrew has an outstanding local reputation and a great deal to offer at the federal level, especially given his experience in the NSW Government," Mr Morrison said.

Despite the Prime Ministerial seal of approval, Mr Constance may not be a walk-up start, with another contender to stand for Liberal pre-selection.

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When nominations for pre-selection open on November 1, Nowra lawyer and Shoalhaven Law Society president Paul Ell is expected to throw his hat into the ring.

Mr Ell has been around politics in the region for some time, having worked on several election campaigns for Kiama MP Gareth Ward and is the current Gilmore Liberal Federal Electorate Conference (FEC) President.

Party insiders noted Mr Ell was voted to the FEC position unanimously and that support was expected to continue in any pre-selection battle.

Mr Ell is also likely to benefit from lingering resentment relating to the Prime Minister's actions in the Gilmore electorate at the 2019 election.

The local party pre-selected Grant Schultz to run but Mr Morrison parachuted his own candidate into the seat - Warren Mundine.

Labor's Fiona Phillips won the seat, which ended up being the only seat the Liberals lost in that election.