Plaudits for 'extraordinary leader' as McGowan bows out

WHAT PEOPLE HAD TO SAY ON WEST AUSTRALIAN PREMIER MARK MCGOWAN'S RESIGNATION

MR MCGOWAN:

* "I'm convinced WA Labor can win - and will win - the next election in 2025 but I just don't have the energy or drive that is required to continue in the role as premier or to fight that election."

* "I've loved the challenge of solving problems, making decisions, getting outcomes, and helping people."

"It has been an honour and privilege to serve the people of the state in my community over this time ... it is way beyond what I could ever have imagined my career would amount to."

"I'm not naturally confrontational but every day I have to engage in argument and debate, and confrontation one way or another. And I'm kind of tired of it."

PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE:

* "He has been a great premier of his proud state, an extraordinary leader for WA Labor and a trusted friend.

* "In unprecedented times, Mark always held to his convictions and always sought to do the right thing by his state."

BILLIONAIRE CLIVE PALMER:

"The people of Western Australia have suffered years of neglect under Mark McGowan, and time will tell the true cost of the damage he has caused the state."

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY WA CHIEF EXECUTIVE CHRIS RODWELL:

"There is no doubt WA holds far greater sway in the federation as a result of Mr McGowan's leadership, initially through the GST engagement and later through national cabinet."

LIBERAL SENATOR LINDA REYNOLDS:

"I think today will mark a fundamental transformation in the politics in Western Australia.

"Because we will go from the politics of the single person, the cult of the personality, which has really sucked the oxygen out of the political debate in Western Australia, because it has been all about one man."

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN PREMIER PETER MALINAUSKAS:

"As a state Labor leader who steered his party from opposition to government, he has been an important source of advice, inspiration and mentorship to me."

UNIONSWA SECRETARY OWEN WHITTLE:

* "True measures of leadership are the changes that make a lasting improvement in the lives of ordinary West Australians and on that score there are many as a lasting tribute to the service of Mark McGowan."