In a sudden announcement, NSW Premier Mike Baird has announced he will be stepping down from the position. In a statement released today, he announced that he is quitting politics and his resignation will come into effect as early as next week.
In the statement, Mike Baird said “serving as Premier of NSW has been a tremendous honour” but it was time for him to move on and retire from public life after 10 active years in politics. He said he was proud of what he and his team had achieved over all these years.
“We have repaired the State budget, rejuvenated the economy, created jobs in unprecedented numbers, boosted frontline services and unleashed an infrastructure boom in Sydney and the regions, which everyone can see with their own eyes”
Mike Baird held a media conference soon after and explained his reason for the shock announcement. An emotional Baird told the media that the ill health of his parents and sister contributed to the shock decision.
“There is a strong personal cost that comes in public life,” he said.
“I’ve probably felt that more than any other time in the past few months.
“My father and my mother and my sister are going through a very serious health challenge and, to be honest, at times I have been in pain not being able to spend the time that I should.”
A liberal party room meeting will be held next week which will decide on the next Premier. His resignation will come into effect immediately after the new party leader is appointed. It will prompt a by-election in the Sydney seat of Manly, which Mick Baird has held since 2007.
