WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand’s ruling Labour Party said Chris Hipkins is the sole nominee to succeed outgoing leader Jacinda Ardern, all but confirming he will become the nation’s next prime minister.
The Labour caucus must still endorse Hipkins at a meeting Sunday, the party said in a statement Saturday in Wellington. He is not expected to speak to media until that vote has taken place.
Labour is moving swiftly to replace Ardern after her shock resignation two days ago, seeking to unite the party behind a new leader ahead of a tough election in October. Hipkins must resurrect support for Labour, which trails the opposition in opinion polls, even as the economy is forecast to enter a recession.
