NSW Speaker Jonathan O’Dea is the latest Liberal MP to confirm he is quitting politics at the next election.
He is now one of eight Coalition MPs who have said they will not recontest the next election,with others expected to follow,including Infrastructure Minister Rob Stokes.
Asked on Monday whether he would soon be announcing his retirement,Stokes – who ran against Dominic Perrottet for the premiership after Gladys Berejiklian resigned – would not be drawn on his plans.
O’Dea unsuccessfully ran for preselection against Berejiklian for the seat of Willoughby in 2002 and was elected to parliament as MP for Davidson in 2007.
As well as holding the role of speaker,O’Dea has represented NSW on the international executive of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.
“It has been an enormous privilege to represent the people of NSW alongside my parliamentary colleagues. I will now seek new opportunities in moving to the next phase of my working life,” O’Dea said.
Perrottet described O’Dea as “a vital contributor to the state,with a particular legacy of effectively managing COVID-19 restrictions in the parliament during the pandemic”.
“I thank Jonathan for his outstanding contribution and dedication,” the premier said.