Former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro decided to withdraw from his role as the state’s Trade Commissioner to the Americas last night.

Mr Barilaro’s appointment for the position was confirmed earlier this month.

The role is based in New York and it came with a $500,000 annual salary package.

The entire recruitment process has been the subject of intense media scrutiny, as well as seeing two separate inquiries.

Channel Nine News Senior Reporter Chris O’Keefe told Ben Fordham it “had to happen”.

Press PLAY below to hear Chris and Ben’s full comments on the dilemma