Analysis: Why Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman resigned

Premier Will Hodgman’s decision to step down came as a surprise to all but his inner circle. But it was by no means a snap decision.

PREMIER Will Hodgman’s decision to step down came as a surprise to all but his inner circle.

But it was by no means a snap decision from a Premier who was always most comfortable working to an orderly timetable.

Several factors align for Australia’s longest-serving party political leader to choose now to call it quits.

PREMIER WILL HODGMAN ANNOUNCES HE IS STEPPING DOWN

As he said during his afternoon press conference, Mr Hodgman said leaving now left time for orderly transfer to a new leader, with plenty of time for them to prepare for the parliamentary year ahead and an election in just over two years’ time.

Timing is everything in politics and the Premier leaves on top of his game with a booming economy reflective of a Tasmanian renaissance.

Premier Will Hodgman’s political career in pictures

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The job is a tough one, and 17 and a half years in state parliament is an incredible innings.

Mr Hodgman turns 51 in April and has made no secret of the high priority he puts on his family life.

He has sometimes looked tired and careworn over the past 12 months, sparking questions about how long he was planning to stay.

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During end-of-year interviews with media outlets before Christmas he insisted he was planning to contest the next election.

“I look forward to doing this job for as long as I can at 110 per cent,” he said.

But he changed his mind over the Christmas break. Yesterday he said he leaves with “no regrets, no excuses”.

“It’s a personal decision that I arrived at. I have consulted with those close to me and my family.

“It’s never a right time or an easy time. I go out at a time when I think new leadership will be a positive thing for our state and where Tasmania is a better place now than when we started.

“I think it’s the right time with an opportunity for new leadership to set the next agenda for the Liberal Party, as they head towards the election in 2022.”

Tasmanian Premier Will Hodgman arrives at his press conference where he announced that he will resign as Premier. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Mr Hodgman’s legacy as Tasmania’s leader will be debated over the coming days.

But there can be no doubt his departure is a big hit for the Liberal Party — his enormous public popularity commands enough votes to win a seat twice over.

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That will be a challenge that will present itself as the clock ticks down to the Liberals’ bid for a third term in just over two years’ time.