Outgoing Premier Mike Baird’s first interview after shock announcement

OUTGOING NSW Premier Mike Baird spent the first night after announcing his family-focused retirement without his family.

OUTGOING NSW Premier Mike Baird spent the first night after announcing his family-focused retirement without his family.

The retiring Liberal leader who announced his shock resignation on Thursday morning, was asked how he celebrated the decision during a radio interview with Nova’s Fitzy and Wippa and revealed he spent the evening with his staff.

“I wasn’t with my family last night. My kids were out so they’ve moved on,” he joked.

The once popular Premier attributed his surprising decision to bow out from the role to wanting to spend more time with his family, particularly his mother, father and sister Julia who had each been recently touched by illness.

He also looked forward to having more time for his wife Kerryn and their three children including daughter Laura who is due to be married this year.

Mr Baird said he was looking forward to being a part of the wedding.

“When I walk her down the aisle ... I’m getting emotional now,” he said.

Mr Baird explained his decision to leave public life, saying the government needed a “refresh” coming up to he next state election, which he didn’t feel he was a part of.

“I thought, actually, I don’t think this refresh includes me,” he said.

“That packaged with the family, I thought, it’s stumps.”

NSW Premier Mike Baird announced his shock retirement on Thursday. Picture: John Grainger

In his first broadcast interview since announcing his decision to leave politics, Mr Baird was asked about his replacement, flagged as state treasurer Gladys Berejiklian.

Mr Baird said the decision over who would take his place was up to the party room, but that he would support Ms Berejiklian.

Off-air Mr Baird hinted he was confident the state treasurer would take the state’s top job.

After the interview he told host Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald he would like Ms Berejiklian, agreeing she was “quite a character”.

Mr Baird also revealed his one regret during his time as premier - the unfinished business of tax reform.

Mike Baird had his first broadcast interview since announcing his departure with Nova’s Fitzy and Wippa. Picture: Nova