The leader of New South Wales, Australia’s most populous state announced her resignation on Friday after the state’s corruption watchdog said it was investigating her, CNBC reports.
“It pains me to announce that I have no option but to resign from the office of premier,” Gladys Berejiklian said a briefing where she did not take questions from reporters.
She said her resignation will take effect as soon as the state’s Liberal party can elect a new leader.
“In order to allow the new leader and the government a fresh start, I will also resign from the New South Wales parliament once I have consulted the electoral commission on appropriate timing for a by-election,” Berejiklian added.
The investigation heightens scrutiny on Berejiklian, who had faced mounting criticism over her government’s handling of the Covid-19 crisis in New South Wales.
The New South Wales Independent Commission Against Corruption said it was investigating whether some of Berejiklian’s actions between 2012 and 2018 may have breached public trust. It said it was looking into instances where grants were awarded or promised to community organizations in the electorate of Wagga Wagga.
In a public inquiry scheduled for Oct. 18, the commission will examine whether there was a conflict between Berejiklian’s public duties and private interests. At the time, Berejiklian was in a secret relationship with state legislator Daryl Maguire, who was then member of parliament for Wagga Wagga.