NSW Deputy Premier and Nationals leader John Barilaro is resigning from state parliament in the wake of the shock departure of Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

Mr Barilaro, who holds the seat of Monaro, said as NSW prepares to emerge from the lockdown caused by an outbreak of COVID-19 it is time for a “refresh”.

“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,” he said in a statement.

“Serving as Deputy Premier of NSW, as Leader of the NSW Nationals and as the Member for Monaro has been the honour and privilege of a lifetime.

“As the Member for Monaro, some of my proudest moments include delivering five new schools in Jerrabombera, Googong, Bungendore, Jindabyne and the School for Special Purpose co-located at Karabar.

“The iconic Snowy Mountains Brumby was saved when I legislated the Kosciusko Wild Horse Heritage Bill 2018.”

Mr Barilaro, who played an integral role in Dave Layzell winning the recent by-election for the state seat of Upper Hunter, has called a Nationals party room meeting for Wednesday, when he will formally resign and call for a ballot for a new Leader.

Once that is settled, Mr Barilaro will work with the Speaker and the Electoral Commission to determine a date for a by-election in his seat.

Mr Barilaro’s sudden resignation comes in the wake of the announcement by Ms Berejiklian on Friday that she was stepping down as state premier, and ahead of a NSW parliamentary Liberals meeting on Tuesday to decide on her replacement.

“The next Premier has big shoes to fill, but I wish them well and the best of luck, I will be cheering from the sidelines and I am excited for what is ahead under their stewardship,” he said.

Mr Barilaro said he was deeply grateful to the NSW Nationals and grassroots members for allowing him to serve.

“People are sometimes quick to write off the National Party, but it’s the Nats in government who are, and always will be, the praetorian guard of common sense,” he said.

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.