wa environment minister goes as well

Well Well - another one goes from WA - environment minister

January 17, 2006 - 4:15PM

West Australian Environment Minister Judy Edwards has resigned from state cabinet for personal reasons, a day after Geoff Gallop left the premiership and politics to battle depression.

Ms Edwards today said she wanted to spend more time with her family and would step down as minister in an upcoming cabinet reshuffle.

"In the last two weeks I have been on leave and I have had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with my family and particularly my young son," Ms Edwards told reporters.

"I had come to a decision about 10 days ago that I really was missing out on seeing my son grow up, that the busy-ness as minister meant I wasn't there always for my family in the way that I wanted to be.

"And I had resolved that I'd tell the premier when I returned."

Events overtook her plan, but with a portfolio reshuffle imminent following Dr Gallop's resignation, Ms Edwards' timing is designed to minimise impact on cabinet.

Deputy premier and treasurer Eric Ripper is acting as premier until a permanent successor is elected by the WA Labor Party, possibly as early as next week.

Ms Edwards was not considered a front-runner for the state's top political job.

The two main contenders are former WA Labor leader and Health Minister Jim McGinty, and former journalist turned State Development Minister Alan Carpenter.

Those considered to have an outside chance are Mr Ripper and Police Minister Michelle Roberts.