John Barilaro this morning announced his resignation as Deputy Premier of NSW, just days after Premier Gladys Berejiklian stepped down. 

Mr Barilaro has been Nationals Leader and Deputy Premier since November 2016, after being elected to the Legislative Assembly as Member for Monaro in the March 2011 election. 

"As we emerge from lockdown, we must embrace this time as a new beginning for our State, and welcome the opportunity it presents for a refresh," Mr Barilaro said.  

"I have decided now is the right time for me to hand the reins over to new leadership, and resign as Deputy Premier of NSW." 

As well as a front row seat in the state's response to the pandemic, as Minister for Regional NSW and the Minister Responsible for Disaster Recovery, he has had a lead role in setting directions for post-bushfire and flood in the past two years. 

Mr Barilaro claims the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund, the $2 billion Regional Growth Fud and the implementation of Special Activation Precincts set up for towns like Moree, Parkes and Narrabri, among his proudest achievements. 

During his tenure the Department of Regional NSW was created and two formal statements outlining the coalition government's commitment to the future of coal and the future of gas were released. 

Mr Barilaro said he will be calling a Party Room meeting for this Wednesday 6 October where he will formally resign as Leader and call for a ballot for a new Leader. 

His resignation will also trigger a by-election for the seat of Monaro.