Revealed: The role Aussie cricketing legend Justin Langer played in Western Australian Prime Minister Mark McGowan quitting in a shocking move
Australian cricketing great Justin Langer appears to have played a role in Mark McGowan’s surprise decision to step down as Western Australia’s premier.
The 55-year-old announced his resignation on Monday, revealing that he retired from politics six years after his election due to “exhaustion” from the “all-consuming job”.
“Today I announce that I am stepping down as Prime Minister and Member of Rockingham,” McGowan said.
‘I’m tired, extremely tired. In fact, I’m exhausted […] this [job] consumes all. Combined with the Covid years, it took it out of me.
“I just don’t have the energy or drive to continue in the role of prime minister, or run in elections.”
Mark McGowan stepped down as Premier of Western Australia on Monday afternoon
McGowan said a column written by Justin Langer helped him make his decision
And according The Western AustralianMcGowan told colleagues who read a column by Langer and convinced him it was time to call it quits.
In his latest column for The West Australian, the former Australia coach explained the thoughts involved in retiring from cricket.
In the article, who ran on Saturday with the headline “If you just know it’s time to take a break”Langer also described conversations he had with fellow cricket greats Adam Gilchrist and David Boon about the process of quitting successful careers.
During the 2006 Boxing Day Test, Langer admitted to Boon that he was considering leaving the game and asked him for advice on when to retire.
“If you think about it, you’re a lot closer than you think,” the former Aussie opener replied.
“Believe me, you’ll know.”
Boon’s words proved prescient as Langer revealed he ‘knew’ his career was over just hours later when he led the celebrations after Australia beat England in the MCG.
The former Aussie batsman pointed out that Richmond boss Damien Hardwick must have experienced the same feeling when he announced his sudden departure from Richmond last week.
And Langer acknowledged that McGowan’s decision to step down would not have been taken lightly.
Langer retired from Test cricket after Australia retained the Ashes in the 2006–07 series
“Mark has done an outstanding job as Premier of Western Australia,” he told The West Australian.
While most people would be surprised by his decision, his explanation for stepping down made perfect sense to me.
“Because I understand the dangers of leadership, including public leadership, I understand how exhausting, lonely and sometimes frustrating leadership can be.
“It can be hard to let go of roles like that, but Mark’s courage to follow his heart and step away at the top of his game is to be applauded.”