Jacinda Ardern has announced she will be stepping down as prime minister no later than February 7 and has confirmed a date for this year’s general election – one likely to be watched by the automotive trade like never before.
Making the announcement this afternoon, Ardern says she has given her “absolute all” to the role but it was now the time for her to resign.
“Being prime minister has been the greatest honour of my life and I want to thank New Zealanders for the enormous privilege of leading the country for the last five and a half years,” Ardern said.
“With holding such a privileged role comes responsibility, including the responsibility to know when you’re the right person to lead, and also when you’re not.
“I have given my absolute all to being prime minister but it has also taken a lot out of me. You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges that inevitably come along,” she said.
“Having reflected over summer I know I no longer have that bit extra in the tank to do the job justice. It’s that simple.”
A caucus vote to elect a new party leader will occur on Sunday, January 22.
Political commentators have tipped transport minister Michael Wood as a potential candidate for leadership along with education and police minister Chris Hipkins.
Meanwhile, deputy leader and finance minister Grant Robertson released a statement saying he would not be putting his hat in the ring for leadership.
“I have been a close up witness to the extraordinary work that Jacinda has done as leader and prime minister.
“The level of intensity and commitment required of prime minister is an order of magnitude greater than any other role. It is a job that you must unequivocally want to do in order to do it the justice it deserves.
“I have every confidence that there are colleagues within the Caucus who are both capable of doing the role, and have the desire to take it on. They will have my full support,” Robertson said.
General election date
Alongside the prime minister’s resignation announcement, Ardern confirmed October 14 as this year’s general date.
With both National and ACT indicating they will make significant changes to the current ‘Clean Car’ system, a change in government will likely produce significant winners and losers amongst distributors and importers.
