UPDATED 1.26pm: Murray McCully is standing aside as an electorate MP at the next election, and isn't ruling out a complete retirement.

He said it is a privilege to serve as Foreign Minister, but it's not always easy to combine with work in the East Coast Bays electorate.

Mr McCully said whether he stays as a list MP for the next election is up to the Prime Minister, but he only wants to stay if he retains the Foreign Affairs portfolio.

The decision isn't related to his medical leave late last year.

McCully says standing aside in electorate isn't related to his medical leave late last year.

— Frances Cook (@FrancesCook) February 23, 2016