The Nationals MP, whose electorate stretches from Port Macquarie-Hastings to the Hunter, had been an assistant minister in the portfolios of rural health, health and children and families in former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull’s ministry.

Mr Gillespie said he was “disappointed” by the job cut but excited to be back working for the electorate.

“I am focusing on delivering for my wonderful Lyne electorate. It is a great honour to be the local MP, and I’m looking forward to continuing in that role for some time,” he said.

“We are working on a vision 2030 plan. I’ve got a vision for the Lyne electorate and Mid North Coast – which spans from the Hunter to Hastings – from the mountains to the coast.” 

The electorate covers an area north of Port Stephens to beyond Taree and includes Lorn and Dungog.

Mr Gillespie told Fairfax Media the top items on his priority list included aged care, roads, telecommunications and energy. 

“We’ve been delivery huge growth in aged care because it is such an important industry in one of the oldest demographics in the country,” he said.

“But not only that, we will be focusing on the roads to recovery and bridges renewal program because they are critical in country areas for industry to exist.

“We are also committed to increasing the delivery of more regional telephone towers, and we are calling for people to notify us about black spots.”

The federal member was elected in 2013 and defeated Labor rival Peter Alley in the 2016 election. 

“The Hunter has been on the forefront of delivering energy for the state, and the Nationals Party is committed to more base load power,” Mr Gillespie added. 

“We know renewable is part of the mix but we want to make sure base load –  which is delivered by coal and gas – gets a fair go.”

A spokesman from the now backbencher’s office has confirmed that Mr Gillespie will contest the next federal election, which is due by May next year.