In 1996, he followed his predecessor into the role of opposition leader, and just over four years later, became premier after Labor's victory at the 2001 election. He retired from politics and as premier on 16 January 2006 in order to aid his recovery from depression, and that "in the interests of my health and my family, I've decided to rethink my career." Labor's Ben Wyatt won the resulting by-election, with a 5% swing to the opposition Liberal candidate.
In 1996, he assumed the role of opposition leader, and just over four years later, became premier after Labor's victory at the 2001 election. He retired from politics and as premier on 16 January 2006 to aid his recovery from depression, and that "in the interests of my health and my family, I've decided to rethink my career." Labor's Ben Wyatt won the resulting by-election, with a 5% swing to the opposition Liberal candidate.