Former State MP for Menai, Alison Megarrity, is making a comeback, seeking to be the Labor candidate for Hughes in the federal election.
The surprise move gives Labor a chance in an electorate it had all but written off, and where it was struggling to find a candidate.
Liberal Craig Kelly holds Hughes with a 5.2 per cent margin.
Ms Megarrity has been given extra time by party officials to put in her nomination this week.
The ill-health of her husband, Robert, was the reason given for her retirement from Parliament in 2010.
She said today his condition had improved to the point he wanted her to run again.
More in tomorrow’s Leader.
What do you think of Alison Megarrity’s chances?