re-election at the State poll in March next year.

His comment came after last week’s report in The Recorder quoting Mayor Brenton Vanstone’s plans to stand for

re-election as mayor, but “not if Brocky comes back.” Mr Vanstone said later: “My comment was reported as a joke and that is what it was.

“It was said as a humorous one-liner, Geoff and I have a close and supportive working relationship and I know he is fully committed to the seat of Frome.”

Mr Brock said he understood the comment was “tongue in cheek”, but felt he needed to “put the record straight” regarding his intentions.

“I will running for re-election at the election as the Member for Frome,” he said. “My main and only focus is to represent the people of Frome.”

When asked whether he would run for mayor if he lost his seat in the election, he said: “Hypothetically, I am not going to lose the election.”