FORMER deputy opposition leader Giulia Jones has announced her resignation from the ACT Legislative Assembly today (May 24).

Ms Jones, a Liberal member for Murrumbidgee, announced she would step down from her role in a social media post this morning.

“Due to both family commitments and health reasons, I have made the very difficult decision to resign as a member for Murrumbidgee in the ACT Legislative Assembly,” said Ms Jones.

“I thank both the Liberal Party and the voters of Murrumbidgee for the support you have given me and the trust you placed in me to represent you in this Parliament for almost a decade.”

Her resignation will see a countback occur in Murrumbidgee for her replacement. A likely successor is Amardeep Singh, a Liberal candidate who was 310 votes behind Ms Jones in the 2020 ACT Assembly election.

Ms Jones said she was proud to be part of the first all-female leadership team of the Canberra Liberals, as well as serving as deputy leader and shadow minister for health during the most aggressive phase of the global pandemic.

Ms Jones also served as the opposition’s shadow minister for multicultural affairs.

Her political career was marred by some controversy in 2020 after her driver’s licence was suspended for three months for multiple, low-range speeding offences while she was serving as emergency services spokeswoman.

Ms Jones’ resignation follows her stepping down from the role of deputy oppostion leader in January this year.

“I will give a valedictory at the Assembly’s convenience in the next sitting week and will then hand in the appropriate paperwork to the Speaker to leave the Assembly,” she said.

“I will continue to serve the Liberal Party as a member and hope to be a part of shaping its future for years to come.”

Canberra Liberals Leader Elizabeth Lee paid tribute to Ms Jones, saying that she has “fought tirelessly on a number of local issues that were of great importance to our community.”

“This includes her continued calls for shops at Coombs and Molonglo Valley and better community facilities for people at Woden,” said Ms Lee.

“Giulia will be remembered for her fierce advocacy for women and families and was a great role model for working mums.”