Daniel Andrews Resigns After nearly nine years in office as Victoria's premier, Daniel Andrews has officially announced his resignation. The press conference, held on Tuesday, was a surprise to many and follows much speculation about Andrews' future plans.
Joined by his wife, Catherine, and their two sons, Noah and Joseph, Andrews stated that he would be stepping down from both his role as premier and as the Member for Mulgrave at 5pm on Wednesday. He expressed that he knew it was time to leave when thoughts of life after politics started to creep in, and that it was an honor to serve as premier.
Andrews went on to thank the people of Victoria, stating that the best part of his job was meeting and listening to individuals from all walks of life and backgrounds. He reflected on the privilege and responsibility of leading such a special place and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
The current Labor MPs will convene at midday on Wednesday to determine who will succeed Andrews as party leader and premier. While Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan is seen as a leading candidate, Andrews refused to speculate on who the next premier would be, stating that it would be decided by the caucus.
When asked about his decision to resign, Andrews referenced the government's recent housing statement release, stating that it was likely the last major reform he would make before leaving. He acknowledged the importance of knowing when it was time to move on and not wanting to potentially resent the job in the future.
In reflecting on his tenure as premier, Andrews highlighted the significant achievements of the Labor government and expressed his pride in the work they had accomplished. He also spoke about his desire to spend more time with his family, play golf, and read the pile of unread books on his shelf.
Andrews was first elected to parliament in 2002, representing the seat of Mulgrave. He has served as a minister under both the Bracks and Brumby governments before becoming the state's Labor leader in 2010, and eventually premier in 2014. He became the longest-serving premier in Victoria earlier this year.With his resignation, Victoria will see a change in leadership for the first time in nearly nine years. As the Labor party begins the process of selecting their new leader, Andrews' presence in Victorian politics will undoubtedly be missed.
