Saying she “no longer had enough in the tank” to do the job, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced her shock resignation.
New Zealand will hold its next general election on 14 October, but Ardern said she will step down as party leader no later than 7 February. A vote in the coming days to determine her replacement as new Labour leader and country’s prime minister.
Speaking at the party’s annual caucus meeting on Thursday, Ardern said: “I am human, politicians are human. We give all that we can for as long as we can. And then it’s time. And for me, it’s time.”
“I’m leaving, because with such a privileged role comes responsibility. The responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead and also when you are not. I know what this job takes. And I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It’s that simple.
“I had hoped that I would find what I needed to carry on over that period but, unfortunately, I haven’t, and I would be doing a disservice to New Zealand to continue.”
The Labour party slightly behind the opposition National in early polls, but Ardern said that was not the reason behind her decision.
“I’m not leaving because I believe we can’t win the election, but because I believe we can and will, and we need a fresh set of shoulders for that challenge,” she said.
Jacinda Ardern’s time as Prime Minister
The 42-year-old Ardern – who became the youngest female head of government in the world when she was elected at the age of 37 in 2017 – also became the second elected world leader to give birth while in office (Pakistan’s Benazir Bhutto was the first).
She became a global superstar politician not just for her down-to-earth and approachable nature, but also for the steely resolve with which she handled New Zealand response to the Covid-19 pandemic, and especially during the Christchurch Mosque shootings. Her handling of the White Island volcanic eruption was also praised widely.
Ardern said her only future plan as of now involved spending time with her family – her partner, Clarke Gayford, and daughter Neve.
In the video message, she said Gayford and Neve “are the ones that have sacrificed the most out of all of us” and added: “To Neve: mum is looking forward to being there when you start school this year. And to Clarke – let’s finally get married.”
Opposition National leader Christopher Luxon praised Ardern’s leadership and said she made a significant contribution to the country, in what is a difficult and demanding job as prime minister.
“I would like to thank Ms Ardern for her service to New Zealand. Her leadership in the aftermath of the Christchurch terror attacks was simultaneously strong and compassionate, and is something she can be proud of,” he said.
“She was also a strong ambassador for New Zealand on the world stage. On behalf of the National Party, I wish her and her family all the very best for the future.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tweeted praise for Ardern, saying: “Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength. She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities. Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also took to Twitter and said: “The difference you have made is immeasurable.”
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