Ex NSW opposition leader Jodi McKay quits politics

Former NSW opposition leader and Labor MP Jodi McKay has resigned as the member for Strathfield and quit NSW politics for good.

Ms McKay, 52, who was replaced by father-of-three Chris Minns as the leader in May, said in her resignation statement she had seen the ‘best and worst of NSW politics’ over the course of her 15-year career.  

‘The lockdown has given me time to reflect and consider my future. I have been fortunate to have represented two NSW electorates, been a minister and shadow minister and until recently leader of the NSW Labor Party,’ she said. 

‘It was an honour to be the first ever NSW Labor leader democratically elected by Party members. As a leader, I championed internal reform to rebuild trust in our Party and make it more accountable.’

Ms McKay explained that friendships within the multicultural communities she helped serve were long-lasting and provided great joy throughout her career.

‘I also sought to rebuild Labor’s relationship with rural and regional NSW and to show that Labor was not simply a party of the city,’ she continued.

‘I will miss many of my parliamentary colleagues, my devoted staff, our rank and file members, and the groups and individuals in my diverse and beautiful electorate of Strathfield.’ 

Just weeks after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian walked away from politics amid a probe into her professional – and personal – relationship with disgraced ex Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire, Ms McKay commented that she always valued her own integrity ‘in public life’. 

Ms McKay explained that friendships within the multicultural communities she helped serve were long-lasting and provided great joy throughout her career

‘It’s something I have demonstrated in my role each and every day. I hope that is a legacy I leave our Party and NSW politics.’  

The 52-year-old relinquished her position as NSW Labor leader in June, after a damaging by-election loss in the Upper Hunter.

In a tearful press conference at the time, she said she felt forced to quit, alleging she was destabilised by some within her party despite having majority support.

Chris Minns was elected by the party as her replacement. 

The 52-year-old relinquished her position as NSW Labor leader in June, after a damaging by-election loss in the Upper Hunter

Ms McKay is the fifth MP to quit this month, after former premier Gladys Berejiklian resigned under a cloud of corruption allegations.

Deputy premier John Barilaro followed two days later, saying he wanted to pursue other career options.

Holsworthy MP Melanie Gibbons announced she will quit to run against Craig Kelly for the federal seat of Hughes, while former Transport Minister Andrew Constance also announced a federal politics tilt.

He wants to win the seat of Gilmore back from Labor.

The resignations will trigger five by-elections, at a date still to be determined.