NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro says he will resign and leave parliament

John Barilaro has revealed a ‘vile and racist’ attack contributed to his decision to resign as NSW Deputy Premier and leave parliament, sparking a third by-election.

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro says legal action against a “vile and racist” social media attack played a role in his decision to resign and leave parliament.

In a press conference on Monday morning, the NSW Nationals leader said it was “unbelievable” that he had defend himself from “vile and racist attacks” in a social media setting.

“A young boy of migrant parents, I grew up, I understood what racism was, (I) was called many of those names, I didn’t think in 2021 that will continue,” he said.

“That in itself, can I say, was very difficult this year, and to be able to defend myself and continue with that case, I prefer to do it privately and not in the public eye.

“That has been a big reason for announcement, along with the opportunity that has now opened, that maybe now is the refresh.”

Mr Barilaro is suing Jordan Shanks, known as FriendlyJordies, in the Federal Court over two videos which he claims defamed him in “vile and racist” attacks which portrayed him as a “corrupt conman”.

Mr Barilaro, who has been the local MP for Monaro for around 10 years, said public life had “taken a toll”.

“I don’t know how many of you can endure what I’ve endured online,” he told reporters.

“I feel for young men and women, young boys and girls that get bullied on social media … as someone who’s been around the traps — a 49-year-old man that’s played it rough and tough — I’ve got to tell you that it’s made it very difficult for me, very, very difficult for me, when you get online and the abusive cop started by disgusting vile racist commentary.”

He denied Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s resignation played any part in his decision saying he had been thinking about resigning for a while and it would have not have been fair to leave weeks later once Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, who is set to become Premier, had sworn in his new team.

“The idea that I leave somehow destabilises the government is not right,” he said.

“Yes, it’s a tough time but I think it’s the right thing to do, to be honest with the public that the fight’s over and I’ve lost the fight, and it is time for me to go and I think it is appropriate to be honest and that’s what I’ve done today.”

He also said he had no intention of running for federal politics, which some earlier speculated.

“I am leaving politics, and … I’ll look to a new career, I turned 50 In November — maybe a bit of a midlife crisis — but I’m definitely thinking about what’s next,” he said.

“I’m going to take some time out but I genuinely won’t be running for federal politics.”

Mr Barilaro is the third NSW politician to announce he intends to leave parliament following the shock resignation of Premier Gladys Berejiklian after it was revealed she was being investigated by ICAC, as well as Transport Minister Andrew Constance, who is planning to switch to federal politics.

It comes as the Liberal party prepares to elect a new leader, with Treasurer Dominic Perrottet set to replace Ms Berejiklian as Premier at a NSW Liberal party room on Tuesday.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade John Barilaro says he is resigning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Mr Barilaro said the resignation of Transport Minister Andrew Constance, who announced on Sunday he planned to switch to federal politics, may have influenced the timing of his decision.

“I have been thinking about this for a long time. Many of you have been reporting my exit for a while,” Mr Barilaro told reporters.

“Seeing Andrew Constance yesterday announce that he will exit state politics was in one way a moment that made me think about when was the right time.

“There is never a right time, but … I’m confident that this state now has bright days ahead of us and it is the right time for the state, for me, the Liberal Party and the National Party, a new freshness, a refresh of the government of the day.

“I am confident that under Dominic Perrottet and whoever the National Party will elect as leader, we’ll get there.”

Asked whether potentially having to give evidence at the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry into Premier Gladys Berejiklian influenced his decision, Mr Barilaro said “the first rule of fight club is not talking about fight club”.

“Let’s allow those proceedings to just to go ahead and you’re not going to get any commentary from me … I’ve made it an absolute number one rule never to talk about the ICAC.”

Mr Barilaro said Mr Perrottet tried hard to make him stay but understood his decision.

Perrottet ‘deeply saddened’ at resignation

In a statement, Mr Perrottet said he was “deeply saddened at the loss of a close friend and formidable colleague in NSW Parliament”.

“However I know it is a decision John has been considering for some time, and I understand and support him in his decision,” he said.

“John is one of the fiercest and most effective advocates for the people of regional NSW that our state has ever known.

“John’s extraordinary energy in Government and on the campaign trail is something I have been lucky to see up close, and I have learned so much about regional NSW by working with him over the past few years.

“John has also been instrumental in ushering in a new generation of exceptional NSW Nationals members and I have no doubt the party will endorse another strong leader to take up the Barilaro mantle this week.

“This is an important opportunity to inject new energy and leadership across the Government so that we can continue the work of the NSW Liberals and Nationals to secure a strong recovery for the people of our state, and build a better future beyond the pandemic.”

NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro is the third politician to announce he is leaving parliament. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

In an earlier statement Mr Barilaro announced he would resign in a bid to provide a fresh slate for the new premier.

“As we emerge from lockdown, we must embrace this time as a new beginning for our State, and welcome the opportunity it presents for a refresh,” Mr Barilaro said in a statement.

“I have decided now is the right time for me to hand the reins over to new leadership, and resign as Deputy Premier of NSW.

“I will be calling a Party Room meeting for this Wednesday 6 October where I will formally resign as Leader and call for a ballot for a new Leader,” he said.

“Following that, I will work with the Speaker and the Electoral Commission in relation to a by-election for the seat of Monaro.”

Mr Barilaro, who has been Deputy Premier for almost five years, praised the hard work of the Premiers he had worked with.

“We thought 2020 was challenging, and then 2021 kept those challenges coming, but throughout these times, the resilience shown by the people of NSW has been truly inspiring.

I was entrusted by the Premier, as an original member of the COVID Crisis Committee, to be the architect of the roadmap out of lock down in both 2020 and 2021, and it was a responsibility that I did not take lightly, but I considered essential, to deliver hope and certainty not just for NSW, but for the Nation,” he said.

“I have worked with three of the Liberal Party’s hardest working Premier’s in Barry O’Farrell, Mike Baird and particularly Gladys Berejiklian who steered this State through some of its darkest days.

“The next Premier has big shoes to fill, but I wish them well and the best of luck, I will be cheering from the sidelines and I am excited for what is ahead under their stewardship.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro speaking after a COVID-19 update press conference in Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

“My deepest and genuine gratitude goes to my NSW Nationals, our grassroots members, and particularly my Nationals colleagues who I have served alongside, for entrusting me to lead the Party and ensure our communities were heard,” he said.

“People are sometimes quick to write off the National Party, but it’s the Nats in Government who are, and always will be, the praetorian guard of common sense.

“National’s Leaders have led that guard, and I am proud to be in their company. Now I am passing on that honour.

“Finally, thank you to my family for allowing me to have such an incredible opportunity and for their sacrifice.”