WA premier Mark McGowan in shock resignation

"Today I'm announcing I will be stepping down as premier and as member for Rockingham," he told reporters. 

The former Navy lawyer, who shepherded WA through the COVID-19 pandemic, led Labor to crushing election victories in 2017 and 2021, the latter securing his party the biggest parliamentary majority in the state's history.

He had previously insisted he would serve out the remainder of his second term as premier before considering his future.

He made the announcement flanked by members of his ministry.