New South Wales Transport Minister David Elliott has announced he will leave state politics at the next election rather than enter a factional preselection campaign.
Elliott confirmed last night he is quitting ahead of the NSW election next March.
He explained he decided to withdraw from a preselection battle following the abolition of his seat in Sydney's north-west. He had previously contested the safe Liberal seat of Baulkham Hills in Sydney.
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"With the abolition of my Baulkham Hills electorate and advice that I cannot be accommodated in the new seat of Castle Hill on factional grounds, I have today advised my community that I will not be recontesting the 2023 state election," Elliott said in a statement.
Elliott, 52, is the latest senior NSW Coalition MP to announce his retirement.
Infrastructure Minister Rob Stokes, Corrections Minister Geoff Lee and Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello previously said they were standing down.
Elliott has recently been involved in the dispute with the NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union about a new enterprise agreement.
Looking back on his 12 years in state parliament, he paid tribute to the support of his wife and two sons.
"To Nicole, Lachlan and William. The burden of public life is heaviest on those we love," Elliott said.
"Whilst the boys and I have always had a good giggle at the emotion and thought invested into the 'constructive feedback' I've sometimes attracted, I know Nicole often took it personally. Her loyalty has been inspirational."
