Scott Morrison resigns from parliament
Former Prime Minister Scott Morrison has resigned from parliament, marking an end to his 16-year career in politics.
Mr Morrison said he would leave politics at the end of February, setting up a by-election a year out from the next federal election.
In a lengthy statement, the 55-year-old explained that he would be stepping back from politics to spend more time with his family, and be more involved in his church community.
ScoMo paid tribute to his family – wife Jenny and daughters Lily and Abbey – in the statement, who he said “have sacrificed a great deal to support my service to our country and local community”.
“I am grateful for their support, but the time has come for me to return to my private life and support my family to pursue their goals and for us to spend more time together as a family,” he said.
“I am also looking forward to being more active in my church community outside the constraints of public office.”
Mr Morrison said it had been his “great privilege” to represent his constituents in the Sydney electorate of Cook and noted the decision to leave had been “difficult”.
“However, I believe the timing is now right to move on to a new season with my family and take on fresh challenges,” he said.
After making the announcement of his resignation, Morrison appeared on Sky News to discuss his lasting legacy as one of Australia’s most controversial prime ministers.
He told the Sky News’ Paul Murray, “I’m sure there’s things that people will need to forgive me for and I’ll forgive them. You just don’t carry these things around with you. You look forward.”
He then quoted former US president Theodore Roosevelt, who Mr Morrison described as a “hero” for him.
“He used to talk about – I’m one of those ones who was on the field, who has known victory and defeat, not one of those timid souls who have known neither, and just looks on from the outside,” he said.
Image credits: Getty Images