NSW deputy premier John Barilaro will resign as the state's deputy premier and leader of the NSW Nationals.
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He is the third senior NSW politician to depart in four days, following NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Transport Minister Andrew Constance out the door.
Mr Barilaro confirmed his decision on Monday morning, describing his role as "the honour and privilege of a lifetime".
He 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.
"However it is the little things, and the beautiful people I've met, of whom I now call friends, that have made being the Local Member so special," he said.
"In my time as Deputy Premier I experienced first-hand, alongside the communities of NSW, the effects of prolonged drought, the worst bushfires in living memory, severe storm and flood disasters and a 1-in-100 year global pandemic, and it was a privilege to work with our communities to endure and recover from those challenges.
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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.
Mr Barilaro is due to address the media later on Monday morning.
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