ACT Opposition leader Jeremy Hanson said the departure of Katy Gallagher from the Legislative Assembly would leave a hole in Labor's ranks but refused to concede it would improve his party's chances of winning the next election.
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Mr Hanson acknowledged Ms Gallagher's commitment to the Legislative Assembly and Canberra over the past 13 years, and said that behind closed doors she had been a constructive and likeable person to deal with.
"It's a momentous day and I'd like to thank her for her contribution.
"There is no doubt that this leaves a big hole in the Labor Party, Andrew Barr has some big shoes to fill, but that's really a matter for them," Mr Hanson said.
"For the Liberal Party nothing changes, we've got a job to do regardless of who's leading the Labor Party and we have to present ourselves as a credible alternative government."
"[Mr Barr] does have weaknesses and he does have strengths but today's not the day to critique Andrew Barr, I'll have plenty of time to do that over the next couple of years."
In a joint statement with Mr Barr paying tribute to Ms Gallagher, Attorney General Simon Corbell confirmed he would stand for the role of deputy at a caucus meeting on Wednesday.
"I think Andrew will be an outstanding progressive chief minister and one who is reflective of the new emerging, innovative economy that Canberra is and I would be very honoured to serve with him and to help him carry forward that vision for Canberra as a sustainable, innovative, prosperous city," Mr Corbell said.
Ms Gallagher's ministerial colleague, Green Shane Rattenbury, said he'd enjoyed a good relationship with Ms Gallagher, who had been a dedicated and hard-working Chief Minister.
"Katy has made a significant contribution to Canberra, and she'll also do fine in the Senate.
"Even though we come from different parties, that commitment to delivering for our city has been a shared goal, and I have enjoyed working with her to that end."
Former Liberal Chief Minister and former ACT senator Gary Humphries said it was a smart move by Ms Gallagher, whose talents were likely to be acknowledged sooner rather than later.
"When Katy joins that team she will be I think the only member of the Labor caucus with head-of-government experience, where previously you had Bob Carr, Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard. Those things are taken very seriously on the hill and while not initially, I don't see her sitting on the back benches for too long," Mr Humphries said.
"Getting things done though is much harder, and Katy has never spent a single day in opposition. It is a culture shock and she will struggle at times," he said.
"Katy will also need to stand up for her city and be a strong advocate. Where previously she has been part of a disciplined team and has been able to impose discipline, she will need to be happy to stand up for Canberra within her own party."
Founder of the Friends of Fluffy Owners and Residents' Action Group Brianna Heseltine paid tribute to Ms Gallagher for her work in securing a buyback deal for affected families and appealed to them to put aside their personal grief for their homes to thank the out-going Chief Minister.
"Katy Gallagher MLA had to respond to enormous pressure about the scheme to make sure it didn't involve her throwing a billion dollars at 1,021 households without trying to offset some of the costs. I know it's not what so many of us wanted but if you have any gratitude, please show it by saying thank you to our Chief Minister who has just stepped down to contest Senator Kate Lundy's Senate seat in the Australian Parliament," Ms Heseltine said.
