But questions will remain as to whether a slip of memory at forgetting he received the gift of a $3000 bottle of Grange is sufficient to bring about the demise of a political leader, who had not drawn suspicion in relation to corruption.

That’s not to say he has been without criticism. Mr O’Farrell made only one visit to Albury as Premier but it was a visit cut short in mid-winter fog, forcing the cancellation of meetings with local mayors and industry leaders.

Mr O’Farrell was also criticised for being unable to find time to meet victims of last year’s tornado that caused widespread damage at Mulwala when his Victorian counterpart was able to meet with victims south of the border.

However, local government leaders were yesterday seeing Mr O’Farrell’s departure as an interruption to reforms in their sector.

The question on everyone’s lips is “who will be his successor?”

Those touted as contenders — Mike Baird and Gladys Berejiklian — face a party room vote this afternoon to answer that question.