Mr Timmings said yesterday he had been giving serious thought to standing again for the mayoralty and a council seat in local body elections in October, following his failed mayoral bid in 2016.
He had also been talking to other potential candidates about forming a new grouping, designed to encourage and support skilled contenders during the election period.
In the end, though, Mr Timmings - also the former chairman of Tourism Dunedin - had decided to focus on his business interests and accounting practice, teaching responsibilities and other roles.
"Sometimes it just doesn't work out," he said.
However, Mr Timmings left the door open to supporting other candidates, and took a swipe yesterday at the lack of financial, legal and other skills around the council table at present.
"I think if you look at the collective competence of council, there's some obvious omissions or gaps . . . What the city really needs is more competent people around the council table."
He also questioned the "abuse of process" where some candidates stood for the mayoralty just to boost their profiles in an effort to secure a council seat.
"It's ridiculous, isn't it?"
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Totally agree with Barry. I would put it another way, less than a handful of councillors know the difference between a cost and a benefit, an asset or a liability. Their actions speak louder than any words they spout. Vote them out!