Marise Payne quits the Senate after partner Stuart Ayres lost his seat in NSW state election bloodbath

Marise Payne has confirmed she is retiring from politics after a career spanning 26 years.

The former foreign minister has been plagued for weeks by rumors that she is stepping down.

She announced in a statement Friday morning that she would step down on September 30, paving the way for a pre-selection vote in the NSW senate.

Her partner, NSW politician Stuart Ayres, lost his Penrith seat in the last state election. He was previously deputy leader of the Liberal Party under Dominic Perrottet.

In announcing her resignation, she particularly thanked Mr. Ayres for “sharing this path with me for many years, as I have shared his in state politics.”

“I thank him for his continued support and love. Stuart’s strong support made it possible for me to be a much-traveled minister for seven years.”

Ms Payne said: ‘Having the privilege of serving as long as I have, and in the process becoming the longest-serving female senator in Australian history, is something I am very proud of,’ she said.

This Chamber, while far from perfect, is a unique and essential part of Australian democracy.

“From my first Senate committee in the Howard administration to my last committee roles in this House, I’ve always known that our work makes a difference.”

Ms Payne said she is not fully retiring and is ‘looking forward to the next phase of (her) professional life’.

“I look forward to using the valuable experience I have gained here, at the cabinet table and globally to continue contributing to our country,” she added.

Marise Payne has confirmed she is retiring from politics after a career spanning 26 years