Goodbye GLADYS

INSIDE THE SHOCK EXIT OF NEW SOUTH WALES’ PREMIER

- Sara Tapia

She’s appeared on screens at 11 am in New South Wales for the better part of four months, but on October 1, Gladys Berejiklian stepped up to front the state for a very different announcement. “It pains me to announce that I have no option but to resign the office of the premier,” the 51-year-old said in an impromptu press conference.

During her emotional speech, Berejiklian revealed that she would also resign from parliament altogether, allowing “a fresh start”. It follows the news that the Independent Commission Against Corruption had decided to further investigate serious allegations that she had breached the public trust.

Over the past year, questions have hung over Berejiklian’s relationship with former Liberal MP Daryl Maguire – who resigned in disgrace back in 2018 – with whom she had a five-year secret relationship. While the watchdog will now examine whether there was a conflict between her public duties and private interests at the time, with hearings to commence on October 18, Berejiklian maintains that she has “always acted with the highest level of integrity”.