Andrew Constance backs Gladys Berejiklian for Premier

The NSW Liberal Party is scheduled to meet early next week to choose a new leader after Mike Baird announced his resignation from politics to a shocked public on Thursday morning.

Current Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian is heavily tipped to take on the role after confirming she will be after her party’s support when it meets on Monday.

Mr Constance and Planning Minister Rob Stokes were considered the two most likely contenders, but Mr Stokes, who is currently in the UK, said overnight Thursday that he would not run.

Mr Constance released a statement to the media at lunch on Friday suggesting he wouldn’t either.

“I was deeply saddened to hear my good mate Mike Baird would no longer be leading the NSW Liberal Party,” Mr Constance wrote.

“I was extremely privileged to have worked with Mike and the incredible legacy he leaves behind will be remembered by this great state for generations.

“Mike is a man of action – the likes of which we were lucky to have as leader.

“I’ve spoken to close friend and colleague Gladys Berejiklian who has announced she intends to stand for the position of NSW Liberal Leader.

“Gladys will make an excellent Premier and she has my full support. NSW should be glad to have her at the helm,” he said.

“Having spoken to my family and colleagues it is my intention to continue to serve NSW in whatever way is possible.

“We have one of the biggest transport and infrastructure renewal programs ever seen in Australia and I’d be honoured to see that through.”

Ms Berejiklian said there would be "no hard feelings" if any colleagues wanted to challenge her.

She has asked Finance Minister Dominic Perrottet to be her deputy.