Jacinda Ardern quits as New Zealand Prime Minister, as United Nations career speculation grows
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Jacinda Ardern’s next job? New Zealand’s outgoing PM addresses rumors that she is destined for a big job at the United Nations after a shock resignation
- Ardern announced his resignation on Thursday.
- She denied that she was going to seek a role at the United Nations.
- Ms. Ardern said she was excited to spend time with the family.
Jacinda Ardern has shut down rumors that she will be heading to a major role at the United Nations after announcing her surprise resignation as New Zealand Prime Minister.
Ms. Ardern announced Thursday in an emotional press conference that she would step down on February 7, after five and a half years in the top job.
Asked by a reporter if he would take up a UN position, Ardern said he currently had no other career aspirations.
“This has been my whole focus, as you can see from the fact that you haven’t been aware of this (my resignation), so (the UN) hasn’t been my focus,” he said.
Jacinda Ardern has shut down rumors that she was considering a career change at the United Nations after announcing her shock resignation.
“My focus has been this decision, to support the Labor team in this next stage.
“Beyond that, I have no other plans than to spend a little time with my family and see what’s next.”
She said that working for the UN had ‘never’ been her ambition.
Ms Ardern attracted global attention when she brought her baby Neve, then four months old, to the UN in September 2018.
Sky News presenter Ashleigh Gillon noted that job offers are “sure to come plentiful and fast” for the outgoing prime minister.
She fought back tears when she made the announcement Thursday before a horde of media unaware of her resignation.
I know what this job requires. And I know I don’t have enough in the tank anymore to do it justice,” she said.
“I would be doing myself a disservice if I continued.”
Ms. Ardern said she was looking forward to spending more time with her family.
Ms Ardern is seen hugging her fiancé Clarke Gayford after announcing she would be stepping down.
Ms Ardern attracted global attention when she brought her baby Neve, then four months old, to the UN in September 2018.
Ardern said the Labor Party would choose a new leader over the weekend, but Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson would not be a candidate.
He was expected to announce the date of the elections, which he did, for October 14, but he surprised everyone in attendance by declaring his departure from politics.
She said she left with no regrets, offering a simple way she’d like to be remembered.
“As someone who always tried to be nice,” he said.
Ms. Ardern also addressed her family; her fiancee Clarke Gayford and her four-year-old daughter Neve.
‘Neve, Mum can’t wait to be there when you start school this year,’ she said.
Ms Ardern is seen hugging other MPs after announcing she would step down from the top post.
And to Clarke, let’s get married at last.
Ms Ardern steps down at 42 after becoming leader just over five years ago on 26 October 2017, and was New Zealand’s youngest Prime Minister, and prior to the youngest sitting MP in 2008, with 28 years.
She insisted that her party trailing in the polls against 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.
“But we need a new set of shoulders for the challenges of this year and the next three.”
Ms Ardern faced unrelenting criticism for implementing some of the world’s toughest Covid restrictions, including lockdowns where New Zealanders couldn’t even buy takeaways and a border closure of more than two years.
But he denied that the constant attacks, which continued into the past year as the economy faltered and the cost of living rose, played a role in his decision.
“I’m not leaving because it’s hard… I know when I have enough left in the tank to do it justice,” he said.