After Jacinda Ardern’s resignation, the New Zealand education minister will be the next prime minister.
Chris Hipkins (44), was the only candidate who entered the race to replace Ms Ardern. Her last day in office is on 7 February.
However, he must still receive an endorsement from Labour Party members in parliament on Sunday. This is only a formality.
After he was announced as the sole candidate by the party, he stated that he believed the team was incredibly strong.
“We have been through this together and will continue to do so. It’s a privilege to work with people like these who are truly committed to New Zealanders.
Although Mr Hipkins didn’t elaborate on his policies, he said that a cabinet reshuffle would be conducted as suggested by Ms Ardern and that Grant Robertson, Finance Minister, would likely continue in that role.
He said he had spoken with Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and that they had had a “warm discussion”.
Mr Hipkins became a household name during the pandemic. He took on a crisis management position.
He will be in office for less than eight months before he contests a general election on October 14.
Ms. Ardern choked when she told the country of five millions people that she was leaving the position after five and a quarter years.
After deciding to resign, she said she had “nothing left to the tank” and was able “first time in a very long time” to fall asleep well.
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More information on Jacinda Adern:
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From Jacindamania, to empty tank: How empathy defined the role
Why is it so rare for her to admit that she has mental health issues
Although she did not use the term, Professor Cary Cooper a prominent psychologist and author of Burnout In The Workplace said that he was certain this was what she was referring to.
Prof Cooper praised Ms Ardern’s “relatively rare” honesty, openness, and said that this candour would have a “very positive impact”.
According to some political allies in New Zealand, Ms Ardern may have decided to leave because of the amount of abuse that she suffered during her time at power.
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