South Australia's Deputy Premier Susan Close and Treasurer Stephen Mullighan will quit politics and not contest next year's state election.

An emotional Premier Peter Malinauskas made the announcement with both ministers during an unexpected press conference today.

The premier said his senior ministers came to him with the news separately a few weeks ago.

"I've known Susan and Stephen for a long time and they're good friends of mine and they've been [an] incredible support to me in different ways over the last few years and I'm really sad to see them go," Mr Malinauskas said.

"I'm here today to make it very clear that my persuasive powers failed, and they have both announced their resignation to our cabinet earlier today from cabinet and their intention to not contest the next state el

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