NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro resigns from state parliament
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NSW Deputy Premier and Nationals leader John Barilaro is resigning from state parliament just days after the sudden departure of Premier Gladys Berejiklian, stating that it was time for a “refresh”.
The Deputy Premier, who holds the seat of Monaro, has claimed that NSW needs a “refresh” of sorts as the state prepares to emerge from the lockdown caused by an outbreak of COVID-19.
“I have decided now is the right time for me to hand the reins over to new leadership, and resign as Deputy Premier of NSW,” he said in a statement.
“Serving as Deputy Premier of NSW, as Leader of the NSW Nationals and as the Member for Monaro has been the honour and privilege of a lifetime.”
Deputy Premier Barilaro has called for a Nationals party room meeting on Wednesday, in which he will formally resign and call for a ballot for a new Leader.
After that, he will be working with the Speaker and the Electoral Commission to determine a date for a by-election in his seat.
The Deputy Premier’s sudden resignation comes in the wake of the announcement by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian last Friday.
The Premier announced that she was stepping down as state premier, and ahead of an NSW parliamentary Liberals meeting on Tuesday to decide on her replacement.
“The next premier has big shoes to fill, but I wish them well and the best of luck, I will be cheering from the sidelines and I am excited for what is ahead under their stewardship,” he said.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said he was deeply grateful to the NSW Nationals and grassroots members for allowing him to serve.
“People are sometimes quick to write off the National Party, but it’s the Nats in government who are, and always will be, the praetorian guard of common sense,” he said.
With AAP
Eliza is a content producer and editor at Public Spectrum. She is an experienced writer on topics related to the government and to the public, as well as stories that uplift and improve the community.
