tasmanian premier calls it quits

Tasmanian Government sources have confirmed Premier Paul Lennon will quit today, with his deputy David Bartlett tipped to be elected unopposed as premier.

Mr Lennon is expected to announce he is standing down as Labor leader and will leave State Parliament.

It is believed his decision was influenced by last week's EMRS poll which had his personal approval rating down to 17 per cent, compared with Liberal Leader Will Hodgman on 39 per cent.

Mr Lennon called Treasurer Michael Aird and Speaker Michael Polley to his Hobart office last night to tell them of his decision.

Mr Polley says he tried to talk him out of it.

"He believes that he would always put Tasmania's interests before his own," he said.

"He would put the party's interests before his own, he took over the leadership of course as Premier in very difficult circumstances at the death of his best mate, and it's been a hard four years and it takes its toll."

Dave R.