PLANNING Minister Justin Madden is all but confirmed as the next Essendon MP.

Although nominations for preselection in the safe Labor seat don't close until this Friday, it's not expected that anyone will nominate against the high-profile candidate.

The action at Essendon has resulted from long-time MP Judy Maddigan deciding to step aside after holding the seat for almost 14 years.

Former Moonee Valley mayor and State Government cabinet secretary Mark Kennedy withdrew his nomination when it was confirmed Mr Madden had decided to move.

Ms Maddigan won the seat in 1996 against a strong Liberal tide and has held the seat ever since.

Ascot Vale ALP branch president Susan Scalise said she did not buy into talk that Mr Madden was moving from his upper house seat in Keilor to distance himself from the scandal-ridden Brimbank Council.

"It's just the next electorate over and he wants to move from upper to lower - people can speculate further if they like, that's up to them.

"Judy Maddigan has been excellent and if Justin is preselected he will be another excellent candidate.

"Everyone in the area knows his family really well; his connections in our area are quite deep.

"I don't know if anyone else will put their hand up because he is such a strong candidate."

Nominations for preselection close on Friday. If there is more than one nomination the candidate is chosen by a member vote and a vote by the public office selection committee.