The Prime Minister doubts the Todd Barclay scandal has tarnished his image.

The Clutha-Southland MP has decided not to contest the seat in the next election after it was revealed he secretly recorded one of his staff.

Bill English told Mike Hosking he doesn't hold himself out as any better than any other person or politician.

But he admits he could have communicated a bit more clearly over some of these things.

"At the heart of it, is a pretty simple issue and that is a serious employment dispute between two people, who are both good people."

English said he's not a lawyer so didn't know it was illegal to tape someone without their knowledge.

He told Mike Hosking it didn't occur to him it was illegal until there was a police complaint.

The police had 10 months to investigate, English said.

"And at the end of it decided not to lay charges. It's still not clear whether an offence occurred or didn't."

English doesn't expect what's happened to dent him in the polls.

LISTEN ABOVE AS BILL ENGLISH SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING