While Labor members contacted by the Newcastle Herald accepted his new relationship and the birth of his daughter were a private matter, his retirement plans - reversed within 30 minutes of talking to Premier Kristina Keneally - were a shock.

"It's been a huge surprise and a bit of a shock to the system but I hope it all calms down," said Cessnock councillor and Bellbird Labor branch secretary James Hawkins.

"I just assumed he was still 100 per cent committed to the Cessnock electorate, so I'm still trying to take it all in."

Most Labor members declined to comment on the matter, did not return calls or said it was a private matter, although several noted even Ms Keneally left the door open for a reverse of Mr Hickey's statement on Tuesday that he would stand at the March state election.

Yesterday she said that whether Mr Hickey stood again was a decision for him and local preselectors.

"At the end of the day what matters to a member's ability to represent their electorate is whether or not they are a fierce representative of their electorate," Ms Keneally said.

Names raised as possible alternative candidates for the safe Labor seat included Mr Hawkins, and Port Stephens Council employee Clayton Barr.

Mr Hawkins said he was flattered but had not considered the issue because he believed Mr Hickey would stand in March.

Mr Barr did not return a call.

Cessnock City Greens councillor James Ryan, who has been one of the most prominent critics of Mr Hickey's support for a NSW government move to strip the council's planning powers, said it was reasonable for Cessnock people to question Mr Hickey's commitment to the area.

"I think it's perfectly reasonable for people to ask the question because how can he say he's going to retire one minute, and 30 minutes later say he's standing in March?" Mr Ryan said.

"And whether you like it or not, if he has a serious relationship with someone who lives in Sydney, how much time can he give to the people of Cessnock?"