Flashback to 2013: Shamed MP Aaron Gilmore says he is not proud of his behaviour, apologising by saying "if there was a dickhead... it was me".

If you thought the biggest comeback of 2015 was Judith Collins, you're in for a surprise - Aaron Gilmore is back in politics.

You don't know who he is? The National list MP was reluctantly forced to quit in 2013 over his antics during a boozy night in Hanmer Springs and allegations he misled Prime Minister John Key's office.

The scandal turned into an embarrassing standoff when Gilmore dug his heels in before eventually being forced out.

However, Gilmore was elected on to the party's Christchurch East electorate committee on Monday night.

A source said: "Unfortunately, there weren't enough people at the meeting to run against him."

Gilmore indicated he was keen to run for selection in the seat in 2017, the source added.

Gilmore denies he wants a third shot at politics. He says he is "having a lovely, full and successful life".

"So despite encouragement from some, given I'm 41, I have no plans for running for public office."

He declined to answer further questions, adding: "I am a private citizen and have no further comment to make."

National's Canterbury Westland region chairman Roger Bridge confirmed Gilmore's return.

"He's been elected to the executive of Christchurch East, and we have more than 30,000 members and many of them seek to volunteer their services on the executive and help the party.

"Any member of the party is free to put their candidacy forward and when it comes forward the board consider it.

"I don't know what his intentions are but I welcome him as a volunteer."

Gilmore was twice selected by the committee to run in Christchurch East, and entered Parliament on the list in 2008. He missed out in 2011 but replaced Lockwood Smith in 2013.

In May, Gilmore was forced to make a tearful apology when it emerged he abused a hotel waiter and allegedly threatened to have him sacked using the prime minister's office. He reportedly demanded: "Don't you know who I am?" although he has denied this.

At the time, Gilmore admitted he had behaved like "a dickhead".

READ MORE: Gilmore's colourful history

The party stood by the MP, but text messages emerged which showed he had misled Key.

As National tried to get him to resign, inappropriate emails emerged that had ended his contract with the Department of Building and Housing.

Gilmore was replaced by Claudette Hauiti, who quit at the election over misspending on her parliamentary charge card.