Former state opposition leader Jodi McKay quits NSW politics

Labor MP and former state opposition leader Jodi McKay has confirmed she will resign from NSW politics.

Labor MP and former state Opposition leader Jodi McKay has confirmed she will resign from NSW politics.

Ms McKay, who was replaced by Chris Minns as the leader in May, said the lockdown had given her time to reflect on her political aspirations.

Jodi McKay speaks to the media after being replaced as NSW Labor leader by Chris Minns in May. Picture: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

She said in her 15-year career she had seen “the best and the worst in NSW politics.”

“I have been fortunate to have represented two NSW electorates, been a minister and shadow minister and until recently leader of the NSW Labor Party,” the Strathfield MP said in a statement.

Jodi McKay speaks to media outside Parliament House. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

Labour leader Jodi McKay leaves home ahead of losing the leadership.

“It was an honour to be the first ever NSW Labor leader democratically elected by Party members.
“As a leader, I championed internal reform to rebuild trust in our Party and make it more accountable.”

Ms McKay said engaging with NSW’s vast multicultural community was among the most “joyous” parts of her role as a MP and leader.

“I also sought to rebuild Labor’s relationship with rural and regional NSW and to show that Labor was not simply a party of the city,” she said.

“I will miss many of my parliamentary colleagues, my devoted staff, our rank and file members, and the groups and individuals in my diverse and beautiful electorate of Strathfield.”

Ms McKay said she hoped her legacy would be her “integrity in public life”.

“I have always been true to myself and my principals and have stood up for what is right, regardless of the consequences.”