There has been an emotional outpouring from the Premier’s electorate of Willoughby. Locals took flowers and balloons to the Premiers residence and her electoral office in the wake of her resignation.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced earlier today that she will be resigning from her role as Premier following the commencement of an ICAC investigation into her conduct. ICAC will be holding a commission to investigate whether the Premier acted inappropriately in failing to report her conduct in relation to her ex-partner and former MP for Wagga Wagga Daryl Maguire.

The Premier also announced she will be leaving Parliament and resigning as Member for Willoughby “to allow the new leader and government a fresh start”. Her resignation from Parliament will take effect when the electoral commission decides the appropriate timing for a by-election given COVID restrictions.

Berejiklian said that she had “no choice” but to resign as Premier following the announcement from ICAC.

“My resignation as premier could not happen at a worse time, but the timing is completely outside of my control, as the Icac has chosen to take this action during the most challenging weeks of the most challenging times in the history of NSW” Said Berejiklian at a press conference earlier this afternoon.

Her resignation comes at a pivotal time in NSW’s struggle with COVID-19. The Government plans to start transitioning out of lockdown in the coming weeks, with the 70% and 80% vaccination targets expecting to be met within the month.

“Resigning at this time is against every instinct in my being and something which I do not want to do. I love my job, and serving the community, but I have been given no option following the statement issued.”

“To continue as Premier would disrupt the State Government at a time when our entire attention should be focused on the challenges confronting New South Wales.”

Mayor of Willoughby, Gail Giles-Gidney stated today “She has sacrificed so much and I owe her a deep debt of gratitude for her leadership during some of the toughest times and darkest hours in the State’s history. Thank you for everything you have done for Willoughby and NSW.”

Matt Kean, Minister for Energy and Environment commented “Gladys Berejiklian is a remarkable person. Over the last four and half years, she has led NSW with dignity, determination and poise.”