After unrelenting speculation, former premier Barry O'Farrell has confirmed what most were expecting - he will bow out of NSW politics.
The Liberal MP told branch party members at Ku-ring-gai on Monday night he wouldn't be contesting his safe seat at the March state election.
"For almost 20 years, I've been honoured to serve my community and I thank local residents and branch members for their strong support over five campaigns," he said in a statement.
Mr O'Farrell quit as NSW premier in April after giving misleading evidence to the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) about a $3000 bottle of 1959 Penfolds Grange Hermitage from Liberal donor Nick Di Girolamo.
He denied receiving the pricey drop but was advised a day later the ICAC had his handwritten note of thanks to Mr Di Girolamo for the wine, prompting his resignation.
Mike Baird rose through the cabinet ranks from treasurer to premier to replace him.
Mr Baird paid tribute to his predecessor - "the infrastructure premier".
He named the establishment of Infrastructure NSW, the Public Service Commission and the release of 71,000 new housing lots since 2011 among Mr O'Farrell's achievements.
Mr O'Farrell's ability to take the community with him on difficult reforms, was a testament to his political skill.
"I am convinced that Barry's contribution to the community, though enormous, has just begun," he said in a statement on Monday night.
"On behalf of Kerryn and myself, and on behalf of the government, I wish him and Rosemary every good fortune as they face their next adventure."
After he stepped down as premier, Mr O'Farrell remained the Liberal Party's endorsed candidate to recontest his northern Sydney seat of Ku-ring-gai, which he holds on a 37 per cent margin.
Despite that, speculation has been rife about his imminent resignation from state politics.
Mr O'Farrell dismissed the reports earlier this month about his rumoured resignation as "more media bulls***".
He also denied claims he was sounding out his federal colleagues about an ascent to federal politics.
BARRY O'FARRELL'S TIME IN NSW POLITICS
1980 - joined Liberal Party
March, 1995 - elected to NSW Legislative Assembly
March, 2011 - led coalition to victory and became NSW premier
April, 2014 - resigned as premier after ICAC revelations
November, 2014 - announced he would not stand in 2015 state election.
