New South Wales Premier Mike Baird has resigned
The staunch lockout laws supporter says it's the "perfect time to hand the reins over"
New South Wales Premier Mike Baird has announced his retirement from politics on Twitter.
The conservative Liberal Party leader has been a staunch supporter of Sydney's lockout laws since taking over from Barry O'Farrell as the state's leader in 2014.
He's also been closed to any discussions on a harm minimisation approach to drugs, including pill testing, suggesting early last year he would consider banning music festivals in a bid to tackle drug use and related hospitalisations.
On Twitter, he posted: "I'm retiring from politics. It's been an honour to serve you, NSW," along with a statement.
Anti-lockouts advocates Keep Sydney Open have kept their response simple so far.
Scott Carbines is Mixmag's Australian Digital Content Editor, follow him on Twitter