Michael Gunner has resigned as chief minister moments after handing down the Northern Territory budget, saying his head and heart are no longer in the job.
The first territory-born Top End leader attributed the decision to the birth of his second son, Nash, on April 29 and wanting to spend time with his family.
Mr Gunner, 46, said a heart attack in January 2020, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic had taken a toll and he was tired.
“It has caused me to reflect a lot over the past few weeks. I’ve always given 100 per cent to this job and anything less is short-changing the people that sent me here,” he told AAP reporters on Tuesday.
“I can no longer keep looking Territorians in the eye and say ‘I can keep giving 100 per cent every day’, and if I can’t do that I shouldn’t be in the chair.”
