Jacinda Ardern to resign as prime minister in February

Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver

Jacinda Ardern says she will not be seeking re-election this year and her last day as prime minister is 7 February.

Speaking this afternoon, Ardern said she reflected over the summer and tried to find a way to keep going for another year and another term but she could not.

“After going on six years of some big challenges, I am human. Politicians are human. For me, it’s time…

“So today I’m announcing that I will not be seeking re-election and my term as prime minister will conclude no later than the 7th of February.

“I believe that leading a country is the most privileged job anyone could ever have but also one of the more challenging. You cannot and should not do it unless you have a full tank plus a bit in reserve for those unexpected challenges.”

Ardern was visibly upset and tearful as she made the announcement.

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Via https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/482724/live-jacinda-ardern-to-resign-as-prime-minister-in-february