The sudden resignation of Premier Peter Gutwein has "shocked" and "surprised" some Launceston residents.
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Mr Gutwein announced on Monday afternoon that he would resign from his role as Tasmanian premier and step away from politics altogether to spend more time with his family.
Tributes have since flown for the popular and well-liked politician, who steered the state through the early days of the coronavirus pandemic.
Launceston man Peter Sleep said it was a shame the premier had resigned after doing such a good job for Tasmania.
Although the premier's decision followed other government resignations, including education Minister Sarah Courtney, Mr Sleep said he was not concerned.
Bronwyn Irma Lewis echoed Mr Sleep's feelings on the decision saying he was shocked and surprised by the announcement.
Ms Irma-Lewis said her attitude towards the premier had changed throughout his Leadership, and pointed to his involvement with the Commission of Inquiry into child sexual abuse as a catalyst for that change.
Local businesswoman Stephanie Bowden said she understood the premier's reasons for resigning.
"He's had it pretty rough, full-on with COVID, so I can probably understand that he's tired and worn out," she said. "I think he's done a pretty good job."
Howard Lewis said he understood the reasons why the premier had resigned, but believed he should have finished out his term.
"One would normally expect him to push through and continue and put the difficult part behind him and just move forward, but I guess he had his own reasons," he said.
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