If Mr Oakeshott, currently the State member for Port Macquarie, wins the seat, it will reduce the number of Nationals sitting in Canberra's House of Representatives to just nine.

Independent Federal Member for New England, Tony Windsor, has welcomed the announcement by Mr Oakeshott, saying he would be a great assett to the Federal Parliament.

"One of the most important aspects of independent members of Parliament is that they are never in opposition and are able to negotiate with the Government of the day on issues affecting the people they have been elected to represent," Mr Windsor said.

"Independents play an active role in the Parliament, influencing legislation, moving amendments, highlighting shortcomings and promoting issues important to their electorates and country Australians."