Barilaro quitting politics

JOHN Barilaro has said he may be having “a bit of a midlife crisis” but that his decision to quit politics is firm.

The NSW Deputy Premier said he was partly inspired in his decision by the example of NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance, who announced he was resigning from state parliament at the weekend.

“I have been thinking about this for a long time,” he said on Monday. “Seeing Andrew Constance yesterday announce that he will exit state politics was in one way a moment that made me think about, ‘when was the right time’.”

But the Monaro MP and Nationals leader (pictured) said he had no intention of vying for a federal seat.

“I’m leaving politics,” he said. “I turn 50 in November, maybe it’s a bit of a midlife crisis, but I’m definitely thinking about what’s next. I’m going to take some time out.”

Mr Barilaro said serving as the state’s deputy premier had been “the honour and privilege of a lifetime”.

His announcement comes two days after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian resigned.