Depressed Gallop quits as West Australian premier

Depressed Gallop quits as premier

Geoff Gallop

Geoff Gallop has resigned as Western Australia's premier, and from parliament, after revealing he is suffering from depression.

Dr Gallop, 54, who advised cabinet of his decision after returning from leave today, told journalists his resignation came after he sought advice from doctors about his illness last week.

"Living with depression is a very debilitating experience which affects different people in different ways," he said.

"My doctors advise me that with treatment, time and rest, this illness is very curable.

"However, I cannot be certain how long (it will take)."

WA Treasurer Eric Ripper, who was acting premier while Dr Gallop was on leave, will continue in the position.

Dr Gallop, who is less than a year into his second term as WA premier, said it had been an enormous privilege and pleasure to serve the state but his condition had placed great pressure on his family.

``What has made this announcement all the more difficult today is that I love being premier, I love the work, I love the state, and I love its people,'' he said.

``My commitment to politics has always been 100 per cent plus, I now need that time to restore my health and wellbeing.''

Dr Gallop's family members and cabinet colleagues were by his side as he announced his resignation.

He refused to take questions, and said he would not do any further media interviews.

A former Rhodes scholar who was awarded his doctorate by Oxford University, Dr Gallop was first elected WA premier on February 10, 2001. He was elected for a second term in February last year.

AAP

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