Another Bush for US President?

The decision of Jeb Bush to announce his intention to seriously explore a run for presidency has shifted the Republican field of contenders and may put pressure on Hillary clinton to announce earlier than expected. Photo: AP

JEB Bush has resigned from all of his board memberships — both non-profit and business — in a move that helps clear a path toward a 2016 US presidential campaign.

The former Florida governor and the brother of former US President George Bush stepped down from his remaining board memberships on Wednesday, the last day of the year, an aide said.

Heading for the White House ... Former Florida governor Jeb Bush and the brother of George Bush preparing to run for the 2016 presidency. Picture: AP. Source: AP

Mr Bush's ties to businesses include a paid advisory position for Academic Partnerships, a for-profit education company that sells online courses to public university students in exchange for a share of their school payments, The Washington Post reported.

It's a continuation of a process that began earlier in the month when Mr Bush announced plans to actively explore a White House bid.

Spokesman Kristy Campbell called Mr Bush's review of his business interests "a natural next step as he turns his focus to gauging whether there is support for a potential candidacy".

Bush, the son of one president and brother of another, is seen as an early favourite of the Republican establishment as the next presidential primary season begins. He launched a series of private business ventures after leaving the Florida governor's mansion in 2007.

Potential foes in both parties have already begun to pore over Mr Bush's extensive private dealings in search of fodder for criticism.

Brothers ... Former Florida governor Jeb Bush, left, clowns with his older brother, former US President George Bush. Picture: AP. Source: News Limited

The resignations, first reported by The Washington Post, do not affect other business interests in which he is a partner, including a Florida-based private equity and business advisory group.

While some strategists have said Mr Bush's private-equity work could open him to some of the same criticisms that dogged Mitt Romney, the GOP's last presidential nominee, Mr Bush himself has said his business record would be an asset in a campaign.

Speaking about his own business record, Mr Bush said: "I'm not ashamed. Taking risk and creating jobs is something we ought to have more of".

Although Mr Bush's business portfolio is smaller than Romey's, it could potentially cause him problems due to his relationships with a broad range of industries, The Washington Post reported.

A CNN-ORC poll taken on Tuesday showed that if Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton ran against Mr Bush in the 2016 presidential election, she would comfortably defeat him.

Rivals ... Polls show Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton would beat Republican Jeb Bush in 2016. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

Although Mr Bush is increasingly considered the Republican Party's frontrunner for the White House — polls show him ahead of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, conservative physician Ben Carson, former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee and senator Rand Paul — Ms Clinton, who has served as secretary of state, US senator and first lady, came out on top in match-ups against all rivals.