Jacinda Ardern Quits
Napier, New Zealand: Jacinda Ardern has choked back tears as she announced her resignation as New Zealand Prime Minister in an emotional press conference.
Her resignation comes into effect on Sunday if the Labour Party can elect her replacement in a twothirds vote on that day, or on February 7 if the process was drawn out.
Ms Ardern said she hoped to find the energy and heart during the Christmas break to stay in the job, ‘but I have not been able to do that’.
‘Once I realised that I didn’t, I knew unfortunately there was not much alternative other than to hand over now,’ she said at the Labour Party’s traditional January caucus meeting in Napier on Thursday.
‘I am human. Politicians are human. We give all we can for as long as we can - and then it’s time. And for me, it’s time.
‘I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice.
‘I am leaving because with such a privileged job comes a big responsibility. The responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead - and also when you’re not. ‘I have given my absolute all to being prime minister but it has also taken a lot out of me. You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges that inevitably come along.
Who’s in and who’s out? The race to be the next Prime Minister
As the dust begins to settle after Jacinda Ardern’s shock resignation today, things are just getting started behind the scenes as higher-ups in the Labour Caucus jostle for the top job. Here’s what some of the top contenders have indicated of their intentions so far.
Chris Hipkins - Education and Police Minister Chris Hipkins would not comment on who the next Labour leader should be - including himself - instead wanting to focus on Ardern’s legacy.
Kiri Allan - Justice Minister Kiri Allan deferred when asked if she would put her name forward to be party leader and prime minister, saying the Caucus would be “going through that process over the next few days” with a decision by Sunday.
Grant Robertson - Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson released a statement ruling himself out of the running for the top job.
“I am not putting myself forward to be a candidate for the leadership of the Labour Party. In 2014 when I failed to secure the leadership of the Party for the second time I indicated that I would not put myself forward again. My position has not changed,” Robertson said.
n Michael Wood - Immigration and Transport Minister Michael Wood – who has been tipped as a future leader – would not comment on whether he would put his name forward, saying “today is about celebrating one of the finest prime ministers we have ever had”.
Nanaia Mahuta - Minister of Foreign Affairs Nanaia Mahuta said Ardern had been “courageous” and “empathetic” as leader.