‘It has been a great honour’: Former PM Scott Morrison announces his resignation from politics

Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced his resignation from Federal Parliament, revealing plans to trade politics for the corporate sector.

Serving as Australia’s 30th Prime Minister from 2018 until May 2022, Morrison shared the news on social media, expressing a desire to take on new challenges globally and spend more time with his family.

“Just letting you know (especially everyone locally) that after more than 16 years as the Member for Cook, I have decided to leave parliament at the end of February to take on new challenges in the global corporate sector and spend more time with my family,” he began.

“I am extremely grateful to my family, friends, local community and local party members and supporters in Cook for their incredible support during this time, that has enabled me to serve my country at the highest level and make Australia a stronger, more secure and more prosperous country. It has been a great honour to serve as the Member for Cook and as Prime Minister.

“I also thank my staff and parliamentary colleagues over the years for their friendship and support, especially my Deputy Leader Josh Frydenberg and Deputy PMs Michael McCormack and Barnaby Joyce. I also want to wish Peter Dutton and his team all the very best and congratulate him on the great job he has done leading our Party and the Coalition since the last election.

“The Shire and southern Sydney is a great place to live and raise a family. I have always worked hard to try and keep it that way as their local member. By giving advance notice of my intention to leave parliament at the end of February, this will give my Party ample time to select a great new candidate who I know will do what’s best for our community and bring fresh energy and commitment to the job.”

His resignation is set to trigger a by-election in the southern Sydney electorate of Cook.

Entering politics in 2007, Morrison climbed the ranks, becoming the Immigration Minister in 2013 with a focus on Operation Sovereign Borders.

Progressing swiftly, he took on the role of Social Services Minister in late 2014 and, a year later, became the Treasurer under Malcolm Turnbull. Eventually, he claimed the top office.

In a strategic move, Morrison ousted Turnbull from the prime ministership after winning against Peter Dutton and Julie Bishop in a leadership spill initiated by Dutton.

While in office, Morrison faced criticism for taking a highly-publicised holiday to Hawaii during the 2019/20 bushfires. Despite this, he led Australia through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, establishing a national cabinet for crisis management.

Following his election loss, Morrison drew attention for allocating himself control of five additional ministerial portfolios without his colleagues’ knowledge, raising governance concerns.

In July 2023, Morrison faced unfavorable findings in the Robodebt Royal Commission, maintaining his innocence.

One of his significant achievements was his role in crafting the AUKUS trilateral defense pact with the United States and the United Kingdom.

As Morrison steps away from politics, his journey is marked by a mix of successes, challenges, and controversies, leaving a complex legacy in Australian political history.

-with AAP.