The party’s board of management late on Monday gave him the all clear to challenge for the seat opposed to Cathy McGowan’s replacement as the Voices for Indi endorsed candidate, Helen Haines, Liberal Steve Martin and Labor’s Eric Kerr.

But voters will need to wait at least another day to hear from Mr Byatt after a press conference tentatively scheduled for Tuesday was pushed back until Wednesday to enable Senator Bridget McKenzie to be present.

“With Mark as their local member, the people of Indi will have someone with the experience and know how to fight for them, to deliver more mobile phone towers, more job security to stick up for the regions,” she said.

“Indi will have a loud voice at the table when decisions are made, when money is allocated.

“A vote for Mark Byatt will see Indi front and centre in Canberra, and not just part of an independent sideshow.”

Mr Byatt hasn’t spoken publicly since being the sole nomination for National Party preselection.

The Nationals state president Neil Pankhurst also said Mr Byatt would be a strong voice for Indi if he could win the seat.

“Mark has a very clear understanding of what makes our regional communities tick at all levels,” he said.

“He’s served in positions at all of those levels, from the boardroom to the local footy club.

“He will be a fantastic representative because he knows what is required and how to get it.

“I have no doubt the communities across the electorate of Indi will be far better off with Mark Byatt at the helm.”

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He has held a string of senior management roles at Wodonga TAFE, Regional Development Victoria and tourism body, Destination Albury-Wodonga.

Mr Byatt also chaired the Rail Freight Alliance, Regional Cities Victoria, Hume Regional Development Australia committee, Regional Capitals Australia and was the inaugural president of the Murray United soccer team.

But the Nationals will be playing catch-up to their main rivals in Indi with Mr Martin and Mr Kerr confirmed as candidates before Christmas and Ms Haines joining the race in mid-January.