‘It’s the right time’: Annastacia Palaszczuk steps down as Queensland Premier

After 8 years in the role, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced she is stepping down from the role, revealing it’s time to find out “what else life has to offer”.

Palaszczuk became emotional as she made the shock announcement on Sunday, December 10, telling reporters she would serve out the rest of the week.

The now outgoing Premier said she considered retirement during a recent holiday and made the final decision on the matter at the National Cabinet.

“I turned my mind to this when I was trying to have a holiday with my partner,” she told reporters in Brisbane.

“Finally, last week, my mind was made up at national cabinet.

“I was sitting there thinking this is the fourth prime minister. There are all these new faces around the cabinet table. We got a great deal for Queensland – $4 billion – and I thought to myself, renewal is a good thing.

“When I led this party from an opposition of just seven members, I said that the first election will be like climbing Mount Everest.

“I went on to climb that mountain twice more. I don’t need to do it again.

“I have given it my all and I’ve run a marathon.

“Now is the time for me to find out what else life has to offer.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while and it’s the right time and it’s time for renewal.

“I gave it everything but I’ve got to the end of the year, I’ve been to national cabinet, that was the turning point.

“And I just feel now is the right time. I just absolutely feel it’s the right time. I’ve run this marathon.”

The Labor caucus is expected to meet to select a new leader on Friday, December 15.

-with AAP.