Scott Morrison’s exit from politics will set up another federal by-election early this year, with a strong field of candidates expected to join the race to replace the former prime minister.

Mr Morrison will depart federal parliament at the end of February for a job in the private sector.

“It has been my great privilege to represent the wonderful people of Cook for more than 16 years,” he said.

“However, I believe the timing is now right to move on to a new season with my family and take on fresh challenges.”

Liberal sources expect Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce and former Bennelong candidate Simon Kennedy to throw their hats in the ring.

Another potential contender is NSW Liberal MP Eleni Petinos but state opposition leader and Cronulla local Mark Speakman has ruled himself out of the race.

“I’m here to fight the good fight in NSW,” he told reporters on Wednesday.

“I expect there will be a very strong field in Cook, there are a number of names being bandied around, we are blessed with a considerable depth of talent.”

Mr Morrison holds the southern Sydney seat by a safe margin of 12 per cent.

The by-election, which is not expected to be held until at least April, will follow that for Dunkley in Victoria on March 2.

The latter was triggered by the death of Labor MP Peta Murphy and is expected to be a much closer contest.

Mr Morrison entered parliament in 2007 and served as prime minister for almost four years.

His time in power was plagued with controversy.

Mr Morrison was praised for leading the coalition to an upset win at the 2019 election but roundly criticised for holidaying in Hawaii during the Black Summer bushfires.

His government’s initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic won plaudits but was later condemned for its slow vaccine rollout and shortage of rapid antigen tests.

It was later revealed he secretly appointed himself to several ministerial portfolios throughout the pandemic, giving him power to overrule the decisions of cabinet colleagues.

As a result, he became the first former prime minister to be censured by the House of Representatives.

A royal commission also found Mr Morrison misled cabinet about the unlawful robodebt scheme, which led to hundreds of thousands of low-income Australians being chased for money they did not owe.

Mr Morrison described his time in politics as a great honour and paid tribute to his family, constituents and political allies.

Source: AAP