“Mike Baird has been an outstanding Premier for the people of NSW and it has been an honour to serve as a local member and a minister under his leadership,” Mrs Williams said.

“He has led a strong Coalition team which has turned the state’s economy around to one that is now the envy of every state in Australia.

“He leaves a legacy of unprecedented growth across the state including in regional NSW.”

Mrs Williams said the people of the Port Macquarie electorate were the beneficiaries of the rejuvenated economy enabling record investment in our hospital, schools, roads and services.

“I wish Mike, Kerryn and their family all the very best for the future and thank them for their service to the people of NSW,” Mrs Williams said.

Mr Baird announced he will soon retire from politics following a Liberal party-room meeting.

He said serving as NSW Premier had been a tremendous honour, but he made it clear from the beginning that he was in politics to make a difference, and then move on.

“After 10 years in public life, this moment for me has arrived,” Mr Baird said.