Ghiz's resignation 'utter shock' to close political allies

Premier Robert Ghiz's resignation came as a complete shock to some of his closest political allies.

"Utter shock, great big pain in my belly, I can tell you that," said Finance Minister Wes Sheridan.

Sheridan sits next to the premier at a shared desk on the floor of the legislature and says it was Ghiz who convinced him back in 2006 that he should run for the Liberals in the next election.

"It's been an incredible honour and a privilege to serve with him, and I'm gonna miss him a lot," said Sheridan.

The premier got a standing ovation Thursday from members of the legislature. The MLA who started the ovation was independent Progressive Conservative Olive Crane. She was the PC leader who ran against Ghiz and the Liberals in the 2011 election.

"I didn't always agree with the premier on some policy issues, but his contribution I think would have to come around education," said Crane.

Today, Ghiz said bringing kindergarten into the school system was his proudest day as premier.

Doug Currie was education minister at that point, but has spent most of his time in the health portfolio.

"I'm disappointed that he is leaving. He's a premier that has moved the province in the right direction, certainly proud to say I've been his health minister for the majority of my time here in government," said Currie.

Both Currie and Sheridan are seen as possible future leaders of the Liberal party now that Ghiz is stepping down. The two said there will be plenty of time to talk about that later.

Ghiz says he will stay on as premier until a leadership convention, which is expected early in the new year.