Former Northern Territory chief minister Michael Gunner has resigned from politics, two months after stepping down as chief minister.
He made the announcement during a speech to the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday night.
"Making the decision to stand down as local member is harder than stepping away as chief," he told parliament.
"I have no plans yet, and I can't see myself working again until later this year at the earliest.
"But my priorities are clear. My family comes first - supporting my wife, raising my boys."
Mr Gunner stood down as the Northern Territory's chief minister in May, citing family considerations after the birth of his second child.
He underwent surgery in 2020 after suffering a heart attack.
"The people of Fannie Bay, Ludmilla and The Gardens deserve someone who can give them everything. I've always tried to do that," he said.
"I don't know any other way than going full on. It's fair to say my method was not the healthiest approach to work life balance.
"The heart attack could be described as a wake up call."
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles, who replaced Mr Gunner, released a statement on Wednesday evening thanking Mr Gunner for his service to the Northern Territory.
"We thank Michael for his commitment to the Territory, for always putting Territorians first and his ongoing advocacy for the people of Fannie Bay," she said.
"Under Michael's leadership our government has delivered record investments in health, education, housing and community safety [and] steered the Territory through the COVID-19 crisis.
"We wish Michael, Kristy, Hudson and Nash all the best for the future."
Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister, Nicole Manison, said it had been an "immense privilege" to serve with Mr Gunner.
"Thank you for making the Northern Territory a better place for everyone, especially those who don't have the privilege to be born into a stable home or life with enough money to get by," she said.
Mr Gunner became Labor leader in 2015 and was elected chief minister in 2016, after a landslide election victory that reshaped Northern Territory politics.
He led Labor to a second term in government at the 2020 Northern Territory election and fell just short of being the party's longest-serving chief minister when he resigned from the role.
Mr Gunner was first elected to the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly in the inner Darwin seat of Fannie Bay in 2008.
His departure will spark a by-election in the seat, which he held with a margin of 9.6 per cent at the 2020 election.
When he resigned as chief minister, Mr Gunner said he would keep a low profile in politics, and did not take on any cabinet portfolios.
"I'm not looking for other jobs. I've got a job, and it's a great job. I'm the member for Fannie Bay," he said at the time.
