40 Minutes’ Notice: Daniel Andrews’ Sudden Resignation Leaves State in Awe

Daniel Andrews is stepping down as Victorian premier after nine years in power, saying he decided to resign from the job and as member for Mulgrave “very recently”.

He made the unexpected announcement on Tuesday afternoon at a snap press conference, giving the media just 40 minutes’ notice, and said his term in office would officially end at 5pm on Wednesday.

He said leading the state had been “the honour and privilege” of his life.

“It’s not an easy job being the premier of our state — that’s not a complaint, that’s just a fact,” he said.

“It requires 100% from you and your family. That is, of course, time limited and now is the time to step away.”

The MP for Mulgrave, who has led Labor to three consecutive election victories since first forming government at the 2014 election, is among the state’s longest-serving premiers.

Andrews said the only way he knew how to do the job was by allowing it to consume and define him. He dubbed himself a “true workaholic”.

“Every waking moment is about the work and that takes a toll,” he said.

“The moment you are not comfortable with that decision for you and the people you love, you have to step away.

Daniel Andrews’ Heartfelt Farewell: “Thank You’ to Victoria”

Andrews’ message to the Victorian people was simple: “thank you”.

“Doing this job has been the honour and privilege of my life and I have worked hard every day, never wasting a moment, to deliver our positive plans, to put people first, to do what matters,” he said.

“I will always be grateful, always profoundly grateful for the honour and privilege of leading this very special place.”

Andrews was first elected to parliament in 2002.

He has been premier of Victoria since December 2014 and served as the 48th leader of the state.

Who Will Lead Victoria? Caucus Meeting to Determine the Next Premier

A caucus meeting will be held tomorrow at 12pm where party members will choose the next premier.

“That will be determined by the colleagues,” Andrews said.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Jacinta Allan

The current frontrunner is deputy premier Jacinta Allan, who is also in charge of leading the state’s transport projects.

Allan has confirmed she will be putting herself forward for the role.

“I will be putting myself forward to lead our party and continue the extraordinary work of our Labor government,” she said.

Other names are being floated for the role including Industry and Innovation Minister Ben Carroll.

But ultimately a formal vote will decide who takes on the top job.

Andrews’ Impact on Victoria: Nine Years, Three Victories, Countless Achievements

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Mr Andrews as a “man of great conviction, enormous compassion and a fierce determination to make a difference”.

“And he has made such a positive difference to the lives of Victorians,” Mr Albanese said.

“You can measure his contribution through nine years, three election victories — the last one with an increased majority.

“But what you can measure it on is the fact that he is a builder. He has built enormous infrastructure benefits for Victoria. He’s rebuilt a health system — a passion of his from his time as health minister, and indeed, during the pandemic as well.

“He’s rebuilt schools. And in the announcement that he’s made, as well, last week, he’s determined to deal with the challenges of housing.”

Mr Albanese said Mr Andrews had never “shirked his responsibilities” and made reference to his role during the state’s COVID experience.

“He stood up each and every day during the pandemic. He stood up for doing what he believed was right to keep Victorians safe – not making easy decisions, making difficult decisions,” he said.

“And Daniel Andrews will be remembered for his contribution to Victoria.”