Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 19 Jan 2023, 03:24 am Print
Image Credit: Facebook/Jacinda Ardern
Wellington/UNI: In a shocking announcement, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Thursday said she will step down from the top post and leader of the Labour Party in February as she will not be seeking re-election this year.
Ardern's last day as the 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 honor 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.
- UN aid chief says millions will die from funding cuts
- Bangladesh is facing acute currency crisis after central bank stops releasing notes featuring Bangabandhu's image
- Two students arrested for scamming elderly person in US
- China: Explosion in residential building leaves 17 injured
- Bangladesh: High court grants bail to Hindu spiritual leader Chinmoy Krishna Das
