New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, is quitting her position ahead of this year’s election, saying she no longer has “enough in the tank” to lead.
The shocking announcement comes as polling indicates her Labour Party faces a difficult path to re-election on October 14, 2023.
Madam Ardern, 42, choked up as she detailed how six challenging years on the job had taken a toll on her. Labour MPs will vote to find her replacement on Sunday.
She said she had taken time to consider her future over the summer break, hoping to find the heart and energy to go on in the role, but unfortunately, will not be able to continue.
She will step down by February 7, 2023.
Madam Ardern became the youngest female head of government in the world when she was elected Prime Minister in 2017, at 37.
