Goulburn MP Pru Goward has lamented Premier Mike Baird’s announcement to retire next week.
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“I am shocked he is leaving,” Ms Goward told the Goulburn Post.
“He was a great friend and good company. I will miss him very much.”
Ms Goward said while the pair did not agree on everything, Mr Baird’s contribution to NSW had been significant.
“We might have disagreed on greyhounds, but he was a great Premier and he got the state moving again,” she said.
“He got the Budget back on track from the terrible state it had been in.
“He was a very nice man. I am overwhelmed and shocked that he is leaving, but he has made his contribution.”
Mr Baird cited family illness for the need to "refresh" the government before the 2019 election as among the reasons for his retirement at a press conference.
Mr Baird has spent 10 years in public life, with three years as NSW Treasurer and three years as Premier.
A Liberal partyroom meeting and a spill of leadership positions will be held next week. Mr Baird will resign from the NSW Parliament following that meeting.
NSW Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed she will be contesting the leadership.
Ms Goward said she would be supporting Ms Berejiklian in her bid to become the next Premier.
“I hope Gladys will be the next Premier. I will be backing her,” Ms Goward said.
“She is economically sharp and resourceful. She thinks about everything.”