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Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced she is resigning from the role after more than eight years, saying it has been the "honour of her life" to serve the state.
"I have given it my all and I have run a marathon," Palaszczuk told media in an emotional press conference this morning after confirming that Cyclone Jasper is expected to cross the state on Wednesday.
"Cyclone Jasper is the 63rd natural disaster I have led the state through as premier."
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"Queensland is in good shape," she said between tears.
"It's time for me to go and do something else.
"It has been the greatest honour of my life and our best days are well and ahead of us."
Palaszczuk's resignation comes after weeks of speculation about her leadership.
'I have run a marathon'
Palaszczuk said after eight years in the role, her team had transformed the state by improving the economy after COVID-19, raising the employment rate as well as numerous infrastructure projects.
She called becoming and being premier of the state like climbing Mount Everest, and said she climbed the mountain three times with three terms.
"I don't need to do it again, I've given it my all and I have run a marathon," she added.
Palaszczuk said she has given everything to the state and "fought the good fight" but now is time to finish up.
She added the thoughts of resigning came during a recent holiday but after attending National Cabinet last week, her mind was made up.
What's next for Palaszczuk?
Palaszcuk said she had spent her whole life in community and public service but the time for change had arrived.
She is resigning this week as premier and will finish as the member for Inala in January – but she has no other job lined up yet.
"I will be other promoting Queensland in some form of capacity," she said.
Palaszczuk is the 39th premier of Queensland and has served in the role since 2015.
She has been the Queensland Labor leader since 2012 and a member of parliament since 2006.
She was the last remaining state or territory leader, aside from Canberra's chief minister Andrew Barr, after the COVID-19 pandemic.
NSW's Gladys Berejiklian, Victoria's Daniel Andrews, South Australia's Steven Marshall, Western Australia's Mark McGowan, Northern Territory's Michael Gunner and Tasmania's Peter Gutwein have all resigned.
What next for Queensland's leadership?
Palaszczuk will finish as the premier this week and the Labor caucus will decide on the next premier on Friday.
She endorsed Deputy Premier Steven Miles as the next premier of the state.
"I believe he will make an excellent premier," she said.
"Everything is set up for a bright future. I am absolutely committed to ensuring a smooth transition and the building blocks all there."
It comes as the next Queensland state election is due to be held in October next year.
