NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has resigned from her position ahead of an Independent Commission Against Corruption public inquiry.
Ms Berejiklian last year declared she had a “close personal relationship” with former Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire, against whom allegations of misuse of his public office are being investigated by ICAC.
The ICAC inquiry is now investigating whether Ms Berejiklian breached public trust by “exercising public functions in circumstances where she was in a position of conflict between her public duties and her private interest”, and allowed Mr Maguire to engage in corrupt conduct.
Addressing the media, Ms Berejiklian stated “categorically that I have always acted with the highest level of integrity … for the benefit of the people of NSW”.
“Standing aside is not an option for me as the Premier of New South Wales.
“My resignation as premier could not occur at a worse time, but the timing is completely outside of my control.
“Resigning at this time is against every instinct in my being … but … to continue as premier would disrupt the state government during a time when our entire attention should be focused on the challenges confronting NSW.”
The resignation will take effect as soon as the party can elect a new parliamentary leader, and Ms Berejiklian will also resign from parliament as soon as the Electoral Commission can be consulted.
Press PLAY below to hear her resignation speech in full