Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced his shock resignation.
The state's leader called a press conference to make his jaw-dropping revelation.
"Today I will again visit Government House and resign as premier and member for Mulgrave, effective 5pm tomorrow," he said.
Advert
"It's not an easy decision because as much as we've achieved together there's so much more to do.
"But when it's time, it's time."
Premier Andrews led the state through some of the longest lockdowns in the world during the coronavirus pandemic.
Those decisions earned him praise and criticism from people across Victoria.
He explained that he came to this decision after a difficult decision with his family.
Advert
The Premier admitted it had become difficult to ensure he had a work-life balance.
"Recently in talking to my kids and Cath, thoughts of what life will be like after this job have started to creep in and I've always known that the moment that happens it's time to go and to give this privilege, this amazing responsibility, to someone else," he said.
"It's not an easy job, being premier of our state. That's not a complaint, it's just a fact.
"It requires 100 per cent from you and your family. That of course is time limited and now is the time to step away."
He says he started to realise that being the Premier of Victoria became overwhelming.
Advert
"To a certain extent, every waking moment is about the work and that takes a toll," he said.
"To have been premier for nine years and the leader of my party for 13 years is a greater set of opportunities than I ever thought would be afforded to me, a kid from the country with only really an aspiration to do good, to work hard, to work with teams of people to perhaps make things better."
Stewart Perrie