NSW deputy premier John Barilaro will resign as the state's deputy premier and leader of the NSW Nationals.
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Mr Barilaro confirmed his decision on Monday morning, describing his role as "the honour and privilege of a lifetime".
The announcement comes amid a major shakeup in the NSW government following Gladys Berejiklian's resignation on Friday amid an ICAC investigation.
Dominic Perrottet is set to become the next NSW premier after a factional deal was stitched up to clear the path for the treasurer's elevation to the state's top job.
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Mr Barilaro said emerging from lockdown could provide a new beginning for NSW, pointing to delivering schools and the Kosciusko Wild Horses Heritage Bill as some of his proudest moments.
In his 9:30 press conference Mr Barilaro said he had been thinking about stepping down for awhile and now was the time to do that.
"I'm confident that this state now has bright day as head of us and it is the right time for the state, for me, the Liberal Party and the National Party, a refreshness of the government of the day.
"In public office, everything is laid out to bare and in my life over this journey I've been quite honest with the media and the public about moments in my life, the good days, some of the tough days, even my own personal experiences. That in itself has shaped who I am as the style of leader who I am.
"It's unbelievable that I have to defend myself from vile and racist attacks in a social media setting by individuals and a trillion-dollar company like Google allow that sort of vile, racial attack on any individual, regardless of public figure or not, to remain is something that I can't believe in 2021 still exists.
"I have no intention and no will that I will be running for Eden-Monaro or for federal politics. I'm looking to a new career. I turn 50 in November, maybe a bit of a midlife crisis."
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"We thought 2020 was challenging, and then 2021 kept those challenges coming, but throughout these times, the resilience shown by the people of NSW has been truly inspiring.
"I was entrusted by the Premier, as an original member of the COVID Crisis Committee, to be the architect of the roadmap out of lock down in both 2020 and 2021, and it was a responsibility that I did not take lightly, but I considered essential, to deliver hope and certainty not just for NSW, but for the nation.
"The next Premier has big shoes to fill, but I wish them well and the best of luck, I will be cheering from the sidelines and I am excited for what is ahead under their stewardship."
Mr Barilaro said he would call a party room meeting on Wednesday where he will formally resign and call a ballot for his successor.
"Following that, I will work with the Speaker and the Electoral Commission in relation to a by-election for the seat of Monaro," he said.