Ex-DUP MP Emma Little-Pengelly has denied speculation that she could be preparing to make a Stormont comeback.
The former DUP special adviser said she has not submitted her name for consideration as a potential party candidate in the Assembly election next May.
Ms Little-Pengelly had initially remained tight-lipped on her future plans after she was spotted in recent weeks helping the DUP with leafleting in East Belfast.
It fuelled speculation among rivals that the former South Belfast MP could seek to run for the Assembly election in the neighbouring constituency.
There could also be an opening for a DUP candidate in North Down after MLA Alex Easton quit the party over its leadership turmoil earlier this year.
The DUP selection process is under way with the party recently inviting members to put their names forward if they are interested in being a candidate for the election next May.
Ms Little-Pengelly has now confirmed she has not submitted her name.
She told Belfast Live: "I am returning to the Bar on Monday as a practising barrister and I have not submitted my name for consideration for the Assembly election 2022 in any constituency."
Ms Little-Pengelly has previously served the South Belfast constituency as an MLA and later as an MP.
She lost her Westminster seat in the December 2019 election to the SDLP's Claire Hanna.
Ms Little-Pengelly was later appointed as a special adviser to Arlene Foster when she was First Minister.
She stood down from her Stormont role earlier this year after Mrs Foster was ousted as DUP leader following an internal revolt.
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