Western Australia's Nationals leader Brendon Grylls has confirmed he will step down as leader and Minister for Regional Development.
His announcement on Sunday followed days of speculation, after media broke the news ahead of a formal statement.
Mr Grylls released a statement confirming his intention to step down from the National Party leadership and ministry in the coming weeks.
"A formal parliamentary National Party process will now commence and the minister will not be commenting on that process until it is complete," the statement said.
"The minister will not comment on internal National Party leadership positions."
Mr Grylls has worked closely with Premier Colin Barnett over the last five years of state government.
Media reports over the weekend cited family commitments as the reason for retirement.
Mr Grylls will stay on as the MP for Pilbara.
