Labour leader Chris Hipkins confirmed today that Cleine had withdrawn.
“Due to a change in his circumstances, Warrick has withdrawn his candidacy for the Labour Party list.
“He had intended to be part of the campaign, but is no longer able to give it the time and focus he wanted to. He has therefore decided that withdrawing is the right thing to do.
“We thank Warrick for his commitment to Labour and wish him all the best for the future,” he said.
Cleine was raised on the West Coast and joined the Labour Party in 1992.
In 2025, he was awarded an MBE for services to British trade, bestowed on him by King Charles III at Windsor Castle last November.
His brother, former Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine, is also having a tilt at Parliament this year, running for New Zealand First in West Coast Tasman.