Analysis: ‘Accidental Premier’ walks away an underrated Qld giant

Annastacia Palaszczuk’s shock exit on Sunday closes an unparalleled chapter in Queensland politics and will ensure she is remembered as an icon, writes Hayden Johnson.

Annastacia Palaszczuk, the ‘accidental Premier’, walks away an underrated Queensland giant.

Her shock exit on Sunday closes an unparalleled chapter in Queensland politics and will ensure Ms Palaszczuk is remembered as an icon.

Behind the scenes in recent days, however, Ms Palaszczuk faced increased pressure from within the party to stand down.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing her retirement from politics. Picture: Liam Kidston

As recently as Friday her MPs - almost all who owe their jobs to the Premier - had no inkling of what was to come.

They knew she had faced increasing calls to stand down before parliament returns in February, but believed her stubbornness would drive her to go around one more time.

Persistent chatter about her leadership in recent weeks was considered white noise, with even the harshest critics acknowledging Ms Palaszczuk would only go at her choosing.

Calls for the Premier to exit grew louder over the weekend and just seconds in to a quiet Sunday press conference the Premier revealed she was done.

Ms Palaszczuk also did what she refused to do for eight years - endorse a successor.

In a possible attempt to stamp her authority on the party for the final time, Ms Palaszczuk said her deputy Steven Miles would make an excellent Premier of Queensland and Treasurer Cameron Dick continue to be a capable treasurer.

The strong endorsement of Mr Miles - from the opposing left faction - raises questions.

It’s designed to ensure a smooth leadership transition and thwart attempts by the ultra ambitious Mr Dick and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman to challenge.

Caucus will meet on Friday to decide who will become the 40th Premier of Queensland.