Western Australia Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan told a snap press conference yesterday he will retire by week's end, concluding six years as premier and 26 as Member for Rockingham.
McGowan, the Labor Party leader, said: "The truth is I'm tired, extremely tired. In fact, I'm exhausted".
"It has been an honour and privilege to serve the people of the state in my community over this time", he continued. "It is way beyond what I could ever have imagined my career would amount to. WA [Western Australia] has provided me with the opportunity of a lifetime".
On Facebook, McGowan wrote: "I've loved the role. 
"I've loved being able to deliver on our agenda for the benefit of our State and I've loved the challenge of solving problems, making decisions, getting outcomes, and helping people."
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said McGowan "has been a great Premier of his proud state, an extraordinary leader for WA Labor and a trusted friend [...] In unprecedented times, Mark always held to his convictions and always sought to do the right thing by his state."
—Anthony AlbaneseAlbanese said McGowan informed him Monday morning of his intent to step down.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw McGowan's approval rating rise to 91%. In the 2021 state election, Labor won 53 of 59 lower-chamber seats. 
His resignation slated Labor to select a leader ahead of the state election scheduled for 2025.

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'I'm tired, extremely tired': Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan announces resignation