Former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian ‘doing OK’ after shock resignation

Gladys Berejiklian thanked supporters and backed NSW’s new Premier in her first public appearance since resigning as leader.

Gladys Berejiklian arrives at her office in Northbridge in Sydney on Wednesday. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the outflow of support for her – which saw members of the public leave flowers and other tokens at her Sydney electoral office – is “very comforting”.

Ms Berejiklian outside her Northbridge office with Trent Zimmerman MP. Picture: David Barwell

In her first public comments since she resigned as NSW Premier on Friday, when she became the subject of an ICAC probe, Ms Berejiklian told reporters she was coping well.

When asked how she was faring, as she walked into her electorate office with MP Trent Zimmerman, Ms Berejiklian said: “OK, thank you”.

Ms Berejiklian backed Dominic Perrottet’s ability to lead the state out of lockdown.

Former Treasurer Perrottet was sworn in as NSW Premier on Tuesday after he won the Liberal partyroom vote, 39 to five.

The former Premier talks to waiting media. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Ms Berejiklian said she would read every letter she had received from voters.

“I just want to say a big thank you to everybody, it’s been an enormous comfort to know people care,” she told reporters.

“And I want the community to get behind Premier Perrottet at this important time.

“He has been an outstanding leader and we need everyone to follow the Premier’s words and make sure we come out of lockdown as quickly as possible.”

Her resignation prompted a weekend of intense backroom wrangling that ended with her former deputy amassing enough support from other Liberal MPs to be voted premier.

Mr Perrottet told reporters on Tuesday that he had received a message from Ms Berejiklian that he read to the other Liberals at a private meeting.

“She messaged me yesterday and wished me well and also to pass on a message to the party room, which I did,” Mr Perrottet said.