Jacinda Ardern resigns as New Zealand Prime Minister
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Jacinda Ardern shocks the world and resigns as Prime Minister of New Zealand: she says she “has nothing left in the tank” and tells her fiancé Clarke “let’s finally get married”
Jacinda Ardern held back tears as she announced her resignation as New Zealand’s prime minister at an emotional press conference.
His resignation takes effect on Sunday if the Labor Party can choose his replacement, or on February 7 if the process drags on.
‘I’m human. Politicians are human. We give everything we can for as long as we can, and then it’s time. And for me, it’s time,’ he said.
I know what this job requires. And I know I don’t have enough in the tank anymore to do it justice.
Jacinda Ardern choked back tears as she announced her resignation as New Zealand Prime Minister.
Ms Ardern insisted that her party was trailing in the polls and that the rival National Party ahead of the next election had nothing to do with her decision to resign.
“I’m not leaving because I think we can’t win the election, but because I think we can and we will,” he said.
During her resignation speech, Ms Ardern announced that the next New Zealand election would take place on 14 October.
The resigning prime minister was asked if she would take up a post at the UN after leaving office and did not give a direct answer.
Ms Ardern shared a message to her fiancé, Clarke Gayford, saying: “Let’s finally get married.”
She resigns at 42 after becoming leader just over five years ago, on October 26, 2017, and was New Zealand’s youngest prime minister.
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