NSW's new deputy premier John Barilaro says Mike Baird didn't inform him of his retirement plans before the premier's shock announcement.
"I found out through the media, I wasn't given a phone call," Mr Barilaro told reporters in Sydney after Mr Baird's media conference..
The NSW National's leader says he was shocked by Mr Baird's decision to resign, but understood the reasoning behind it.
Mr Baird cited family as the biggest factor in his decision to quit politics, with both his parents and sister battling illness.
Mr Barilaro, who was only appointed deputy premier in November, said he would use the leadership shake-up as a "new dawn" and a chance for the Nationals to reinstate their voice in NSW.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"I think the narrative that has been over the past couple of years ... that the Coalition government hasn't cared for regional New South Wales, and I believe a lot of that was perception not reality, that was reflected in the Orange by-election," he said.
"But we have an opportunity today with a new team, a new leadership of the NSW Coalition and government, to make sure that people clearly understand what we stand for."
NSW Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian has been touted as the front runner to replace Mr Baird, but Mr Barilaro refused to speculate who the 45th premier of NSW may be.
"I think the question will be, 'can the media pronounce Berejiklian - Barilaro government'," he joked.
"But she is a fantastic leader and there are others in the Liberal Party that are touted that could be committed to leadership and I will committed to working with whoever the leader may be."
