02.10.2021
3 min read

Flowers, balloons left outside Gladys Berejiklian’s electoral office and home after shock resignation

Supportive constituents gathered outside Gladys Berejiklian’s home and office after her shock resignation.
Greta Stonehouse and Gina RushtonBy Greta Stonehouse and Gina Rushton

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian resigns amid probe by anti-corruption watchdog

Supportive constituents of Gladys Berejiklian have left flowers outside her home and office after her shock resignation amid a probe by the state’s corruption watchdog.

People gathered outside her home with flowers and balloons in her initials while others stood outside her office with handmade signs reading “we love Gladys” and “long live Gladys” hours after Berejiklian’s shock resignation, seen in the video player above.

On Friday morning she announced her resignation as premier after the Independent Commission Against Corruption said she was under investigation for potential breaches of public trust.

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Berejiklian will also resign from NSW parliament as soon as a by-election for her north Sydney seat of Willoughby can be held.

She will remain premier until the Liberal Party elects its new leader, with Treasurer Dominic Perrottet considered a frontrunner.

Gladys Berejiklian has had messages of support from voters after her resignation as NSW premier. Credit: AAP
Messages and flowers are seen on the doorstep of her electoral office. Credit: DAN HIMBRECHTS/AAPIMAGE
People place flowers outside Gladys Berejiklian’s home. Credit: DAN HIMBRECHTS/AAPIMAGE

Perrottet said on Friday he would speak with his family and colleagues over the coming days on “how I can best serve the people of NSW”.

He said Berejiklian was among NSW’s finest ever premiers.

Planning Minister and Pittwater member Rob Stokes is set to throw his hat into the ring and has been described as a key ally of Berejiklian.

So has Environment Minister Matt Kean, who was with her when she announced her resignation and is believed to be another contender.

Gladys Berejiklian’s replacement will be determined by the state’s parliamentary Liberals in the coming days. Some frontrunners have already emerged. Credit: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres is also in the mix, and if he were to become party leader the 40-year-old would be the first from an area outside of Sydney’s north and east in almost two decades.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance and Attorney-General Mark Speakman have also been spoken of as possible contenders.

Berejiklian weathered bushfires, drought and storms and navigated COVID-19, but after four-and-a-half years in the top job, she couldn’t beat ICAC.

The anti-corruption watchdog says it is investigating whether Berejiklian “exercised public functions” in a position of conflict given her secret five-year relationship with ex-MP Daryl Maguire, revealed at ICAC hearings in late 2020.

Maguire is accused of abusing his public office between 2012 and 2018.

‘No option’

A wearied Berejiklian said on Friday she had “no option” other than to resign, as she could not temporarily step aside and resume her role after the investigation.

“The people of NSW need certainty as to who their leader is during these challenging times of the pandemic ... I cannot predict how long it will take the ICAC to complete this investigation, let alone deliver a report.”

She also said her resignation “could not happen at a worse time,” as the state prepared to leave months of COVID-enforced lockdowns in less than two weeks.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian speaks to the media during a press conference to announce her resignation, in Sydney, Friday, October 1, 2021. (AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi) NO ARCHIVING Credit: BIANCA DE MARCHI/AAPIMAGE

The 51-year-old continues to deny any wrongdoing.

“History will demonstrate that I have always executed my duties with the highest degree of integrity for the benefit of the people of NSW, who I have had the privilege to serve,” she said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison lauded the “heroic” qualities of Berejiklian, saying she was a “dear friend” and trusted by the community.