NSW Premier Mike Baird Announces Retirement from Politics

Well folks, it happened. In a shock announcement made via Twitter this morning, embattled New South Wales Premier Mike Baird has resigned from politics effective as of next week. Baird released a statement on his own Twitter account that praised a number of his own achievements, as well as that of the Liberal and National Parties before suggesting that "my retirement from politics will enable fresh leadership for my community," namely, his electorate in Manly.

Baird acknowledged the fact that he is retiring halfway through his term and explained his sudden departure by reiterating that "I was in politics to make a difference, and then move on." It is Baird's belief that now, still quite a while away from the election scheduled for 2019, is the appropriate moment.

Baird went on to toot a few Liberal and National horns, touting that he was "proud of the extra resources we have been able to direct towards the neediest schools", as well as towards less abled citizens and their carers. He also praised the efforts of the Dynamic Dionysus, Barry O'Farrell, as well as Andrew Stoner, Troy Grant and John Barilaro.

After a term marked by controversy over everything from the greyhound racing ban to the systematic destruction of anything vaguely resembling a nightlife in New South Wales, the outgoing Premier was sure to remark that "only the Liberals and Nationals can be trusted to manage the continuation of the economic recovery and the infrastructure boom." He also did not suppress any urge to not throw punches, making sure he reminded the public of "the massive scare campaign mounted by Labour and the unions."

Ahead of large protests against Baird's dreadfully unpopular lockout laws expected this weekend, Baird announced that a leadership spill would occur within the Liberal Party next week, and he will resign immediately as Premier, and also from his office representing the people of Manly.

It's not yet clear as to whether Baird was given much of a choice in his resignation, or if it's simply a case of feeling the heat in the kitchen, or whether every word in his release is true or not. However, it is likely that we're going to be hearing a lot of "ding dong, the witch is dead" in the immediate future.

Twitter, as expected, is showing mixed reactions:

Shocked to hear Mike Baird has extended the lockout to his own office.

— Colley (@JamColley) January 18, 2017

[SCENE: INT MIKE BAIRD'S CELLAR]

BAIRD: "We've got a d'Arenberg GSM, some kiwi chardy, a Gr...
Shit.
WHY IS THIS HERE."

— Gordy (@GordyPls) January 18, 2017

Image: Eva Rinaldi.