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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I think us Kiwis will need to fight hard to ensure her replacement represents what we want.
The good news here is that her replacement is far less cunning. He's a bit of bumbling idiot actually. I doubt he will last until the election.