Kerry Chant's final message to Gladys Berejiklian after resignation

As Gladys Berejiklian serves out her final days as premier, Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant has one last message for the departing NSW leader who sensationally quit on Friday.

During NSW's Covid update on Sunday, Dr Chant, who has been a close adviser of the premier during the ongoing Covid crisis, was asked how she felt about Ms Berejiklian's bombshell resignation.

"I suppose I will address that question in my own way, which is just saying that the Premier has worked tirelessly since the pandemic commenced through this most difficult time and I think her clear commitment to the community is so evident," Dr Chant said.

"I don't think it's really appropriate for me to go into any further issues, but just to recognise how hard and how committed the Premier has been."

Dr Chant's gracious tribute to Ms Berejiklian comes after reports last month the premier overruled health officials, including the chief health officer, over when to reopen the state.

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard also spoke of Ms Berejiklian's "amazing" leadership.

"What I would say about the Premier is that I think she has been an amazing premier, a person of high integrity and somebody that I would place my trust in completely and I think that's what the community of New South Wales has done as well during these last 20 months," he said.

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Ms Berejiklian announced she was resigning as premier on Friday afternoon after the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) confirmed it would hold a public inquiry into a potential breach of public trust.

She called the decision "extremely difficult" and said it could not occur at a worse time as the state juggles a daunting Delta outbreak with reopening from lockdown.

Ms Berejiklian, who appeared close to tears at times, questioned the timing of ICAC's decision during the state's "most challenging time in the state's history".

Andrew Constance to quit as MP

Transport Minister Andrew Constance is poised to resign from NSW parliament and embark on a preselection push for the federal seat of Gilmore ahead of next year's election.

His exit from state politics would leave four senior liberals vying for the top job but Mr Howard wants NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet to lead the state he resides in.

"I do think his background, his experiences as treasurer and very importantly his commitment to economic reform mean that he, of all of them, is the best person to take over the helm," Mr Howard told Sky New's Sunday Agenda program.

"We need to keep going with things like economic reform, he is very committed to taxation reform."

Mr Perrottet has yet to officially show his hand but was flattered by the endorsement and flagged an announcement later on Sunday.

"Look, it means a lot. He has obviously been an inspiration to me and a stalwart of the Liberal Party," he told ABC TV.

"That obviously ... made a big difference yesterday and I'll consider it."

Planning Minister Rob Stokes is so far the only senior cabinet minister to formally throw his hat in the ring, arguing he possesses "the right balance of experience, vision and integrity" needed to assume the role at such a pivotal time.

Other potential contenders are Attorney-General Mark Speakman and Jobs Minister Stuart Ayres, while Environment Minister Matt Kean and Police Minister David Elliott are being spoken of as possible deputies.

with AAP

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