The former Republican Governor of Florida, Jeb Bush, has resigned from all corporate and non-profit board positions in a move preparing for a potential bid for the 2016 United States Presidential election, according to reports.

The Washington Post reports that Bush, brother of George W. and son of George H.W. Bush, has stepped down from a number of positions that he has held since leaving politics in 2007, and has even stood down from the board of his own education foundation.

Aides of Bush told the Post on Wednesday evening that the former Governor is exploring the possibility of a return to politics and the board resignations are part of a process leading up to a run at securing the Republican presidential nomination later this year. Bush said last month that he is exploring the possibility of a challenge for the Republican nomination.

Bush spokesperson Kristy Campbell said the move away from formal ties to various organisations is “part and parcel of a process he is going through as he transitions to focus on a potential run for president."

“This is a natural next step that will allow him to focus his time on gauging interest for a potential run," she added.

Bush is currently one of the favourites in polls for potential Republican nominees, and has the backing of several major donors to the party.

In 2012 the Republican nominee, Mitt Romney, was hindered by his close ties to business – something which both his Republican rivals and Barack Obama attacked - and the Post reports that Bush is keen to avoid similar pitfalls in any potential bid.