WELLINGTON, Jan 19 (NNN-XINHUA) – New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, announced today that, she will step down as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party, in Feb (next month), as she will not be seeking re-election this year.
Ardern’s last day as prime minister is Feb 7. Her resignation will take effect on the appointment of a new prime minister.
Ardern said, after five-and-a-half years of the top leadership role, that she could not keep going for another year or term, after careful consideration.
A caucus vote to elect a new leader will occur in three days’ time (on Sunday), said a government statement.
“Being prime minister has been the greatest honour of my life,” Ardern said, citing her cabinet’s achievement in alleviating child poverty, as well as, increasing welfare support and public housing stock.
Meanwhile, New Zealand’s 2023 General Election will be held on Oct 14, 2023, Ardern announced, adding, the Labour team is “incredibly well placed” to contest the next election.– NNN-XINHUA
