The bloodletting continued in NSW Labor ranks today, with Mr Sartor becoming one of three high profile casualties, joining Michael Costa who was dumped on Friday, and Reba Meagher, who last night ruled herself out of contention before she could be pushed.
But John Della Bosca has returned to cabinet along with Joe Tripodi, Eric Roozendaal, David Campbell, Tony Kelly, Linda Burney, Matt Brown, John Hatzistergos, Kristina Keneally, Barbara Perry, Verity Firth, Ian Macdonald and Paul Lynch.
At a press conference after the new-look cabinet was unveiled, Mr Sartor said he was concerned Mr Rees' decision to drop him would leave insufficient experience in his cabinet.
"I personally think he's made a mistake," he said.
"I've told the premier he's made a mistake, but that's a decision for him.
"The government has huge challenges ahead, and what they need is talent and experience and while I think there are some good people in the ministry, I hope they know what they're doing."
Mr Sartor said he would continue to represent his electorate of Rockdale, most likely until the next election.
Mr Sartor said in nearly 17 years of elected office, he had made many contributions to the City of Sydney, of which he was former lord mayor, and the state of NSW.
He pointed to his "transformation" of Sydney, the establishment of the Cancer Institute of NSW, the Water and Energy Savings Fund - now the Climate Change Fund, the smoking ban in pubs and clubs and difficult planning reforms.
"I've done all this in good faith," said Mr Sartor, who added there had been "a lot of tears" at the caucus meeting this morning when his axing was announced.
"I think I've achieved the attributes that Nathan Rees said he wanted which were skill or intelligence, hard work and courage.
"Maybe I wasn't courageous enough."
Asked whether he felt cheated by the premier's decision Mr Sartor replied: "A little bit, yeah. Of course you do. Anyone would feel that way."
Accompanied by his wife Monique and son William, Mr Sartor struggled with his emotions as he spoke about his plans for the future.
"In recent times I've thought about young William, particularly when I go to work in the morning and he looks at me as I walk out the door and I think `gee, I'd rather stay home with you' ...
"I got my wish," a teary Mr Sartor said.
He said he wasn't a "bomb-thrower" and while he would be writing a book about his work in the City of Sydney it would not be "Latham-esque".