Annastacia Palaszczuk RESIGNS after almost nine years as Queensland premier: Outgoing leader is overcome with emotion as she makes shock announcement - 'The honour of my life'

Annastacia Palaszczuk has resigned as Queensland premier.

An emotional Ms Palaszczuk announced the shock move through tears on Sunday saying 'the time was right'. 

'I have given it my all and I have run a marathon,' she said. 

'I've been thinking about it for a while, and it's the right time, and it's time for renewal.

'I've dedicated my whole life to community service, there's no greater honour.

'Nine years, it feels like an eternity.'

The Premier wiped away tears as she confirmed her retirement from politics, following months of speculation that she would do so. 

Ms Palaszczuk said she began considering retirement during a two-week holiday in Italy in September.

'Everyone deserves a break. Finally last week, my mind was made up at national cabinet,' she said.

'I was sitting there thinking, this is the fourth prime minister, there were all these new faces sitting around the cabinet table.

'We got a great deal for Queensland, $4billion, and I thought to myself, renewal is a good thing.'

Ms Palaszczuk reminded reporters that when she became the Queensland state Labor leader the party was an opposition of just seven members. 

'I said that first election would be like climbing Mount Everest. I went on to climb that mountain twice more. I don't need to do it again.'

She said that she did not yet know what she would do next. 'I have no job come January. I will be finishing up as (an MP). 

'I will be out there promoting Queensland in some form or capacity.'

She was first elected as Premier in 2015, then at the following election in 2017 became the first female leader in Australia to be reelected. 

She also led the first majority female cabinet in Australia.

Ms Palaszczuk went led Labor to increased majorities at the 2017 and 2020 state elections, becoming the first Australian female premier to win three terms. 

She will stay on until the end of the coming week. 

Her successor is likely to be a three-way contest between the Deputy Premier, Steven Miles, Health Minister, Shannon Fentiman and Treasurer Cameron Dick.

The federal Agriculture Minister Murray Watt tweeted that Ms Palaszczuk had given 'Over eight years of strong leadership for Queensland. 

'Three election wins, restoring public services after the savage Newman LNP cuts, guiding Queensland through Covid and setting the state up for a future powered by clean energy jobs. Much to be proud of.'

More to come...