Jean Charest met with former candidates, staff, and the Liberals' new caucus for one last time as their leader.

People cried, hugged, and kissed him as he walked into the Quebec city conference room today. But, Charest says he's at peace with his resignation.

"We had a great run. It was a big decision to announce yesterday, but I woke up this morning feeling good," he says.

However, others sound as though they are still in shock. "He is irreplaceable," says re-elected MNA for Viau, Emmanuel Dubourg. "I'm eager to see him and take him into my arms for everything he's done for Quebec."

Former minister Yolande James says Charest is the one who gave her a chance in politics. "Especially when a lot of people were saying that I couldn't do it, who were saying that I was too young, that I was black, Mister Charest had confidence in me."