NSW Premier Mike Baird Announces Shock Retirement For Family Health Reasons

With two years left of his term as Premier of New South Wales, Mike Baird today announced his retirement from politics.

While speaking to press, the premier said his parents and sister “are going through a very serious health challenge”.

“To be honest, at times I have been in pain not being able to spend the time that I should,” he added.

According to the ABC, Baird’s father had recently endured open heart surgery and his sister is undergoing treatment for cancer. His mother has muscular dystrophy.

I'm retiring from politics. It's been an honour to serve you, NSW. pic.twitter.com/eFInOqoC19

— Mike Baird (@mikebairdMP) January 18, 2017

There will now be a spill of leadership positions at next week’s meeting in the Liberal party-room, where his replacement will be selected.

Following that meeting, he will immediately resign from Parliament and vacate his seat of Manly.

It will bring to an end a tumultuous two years as New South Wales’ premier.

He took over from Barry O’Farrell in 2014 and led the Liberals to victory in the 2015 election. However, he faced declining popularity in 2016 over his proposed greyhound ban (and subsequent backflip), not to mention ongoing criticism of his lockout laws (for which he received the nickname “Casino Mike”).

Premier Baird’s successor will face a state election in March of 2019.

Photo: Facebook (Mike Baird)