Decision to quit only made in last few days: Premier

Premier Will Hodgman says his decision to quit came “literally in the last few days” and acknowledged there will be those out there celebrating his departure from the role.

PREMIER Will Hodgman said his decision to quit politics came only in the last few days.

Mr Hodgman announced his intention to resign as Premier, state Liberal leader and MP for Franklin yesterday.

In an interview on ABC Radio this morning, Mr Hodgman said despite rumours surrounding his future, he had only recently decided to leave.

“People always speculate on these things. I’ve never felt until very recently, that it was the right thing for me to do,” he said.

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“You come to a point in time when a decision needs to be made or you feel is the right thing to be made and that was literally in the last few days.

“Of course I’ve given it thought over 17-and-a-half years in politics, there are times when you do in any job question the future but never have I arrived at a point where I felt it was the right thing for my government, our government and our state.

“But once I did that, I thought it was absolutely appropriate that I make that decision and do so swiftly.

“Now, that may come as a shock to people and again, I do regret any disappointment or if in any way, it causes a disruption.”

Mr Hodgman said he was unshaken in his belief that the time was right for his departure from politics.

“It’s had an impact on my family, I don’t deny that — it’s not the reason per se for me to leave the job I love and I was totally committed to but I do think after six years as Premier, 14 years leading the Liberal Party, nearly 18 years in our state’s parliament it’s a good time to have fresh new leadership. It is in the best interests of the state.”

Mr Hodgman said he believed he had done all he could to leave the state and the Liberal party in he best possible shape to the days ahead.

“I think there’s an opportunity here for our government to refresh and reset. I go out knowing that I’ve given the job 100 per cent. I always said I will and would.

“There was unfinished business certainly and I regret that and I do regret the disruption this causes and disapointment it may cause.

“I know there will be a lot of people possibly celebrating this announcement today but I’m really optimistic about our state’s future.

“I know we’ve got the team in government to keep our state heading in the right direction.”

A vote of the Parliamentary Liberal Party will be held next week before Mr Hodgman formally tenders his resignation to Governor Kate Warner.