Jacinda Ardern has announced her resignation as Prime Minister of New Zealand as she said she "no longer has enough in the tank" to lead. The premier will not contest this year's election and will step down on February 7.
In an emotional speech at the New Zealand Labour Party caucus on Thursday, Ardern said: "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 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."
Ardern added that she hoped to spend more time with her family following October's elections and said the decision came after months of deliberation, the Mirror reports.
Speaking directly to family members during the speech, the PM told her four-year-old daughter Neve: "Mum is looking forward to being there when you start school this year." And she also ask fiancé Clarke Gayford if they could "finally get married" after the coronavirus pandemic thwarted their earlier plans.
A statement from the Prime Minister's office released after her speech said the "privilege" of her role included "the responsibility to know when you’re the right person to lead, and also when you’re not."
Australian PM Anthony Albanese quickly responded to news of the resignation and described Ardern as a "great friend". In a statement on Twitter, he said: "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 posted a message on Twitter praising her "empathic, compassionate, strong and steady leadership over these past several years". He added: "The difference you have made is immeasurable. I’m wishing you and your family nothing but the best, my friend."
After serving just two months as leader of the opposition, Ardern became prime minister of New Zealand in October 2017. She became the youngest female head of government in the world after being elected at the age of 37 and she also gave birth to a child the year after - making her the second elected head of government to do so.
Following the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019, she attracted international praise for her response to the tragedy which left 51 people dead. A day after the attack, the PM wore a hijab in a meeting with members of the Muslim community where she told them the nation was “united in grief” and vowed never to speak the gunman's name.
Her government went on to introduce a ban on the sale of all types of semi-automatic weapons and assault rifles. New Zealand also made global headlines for its 'zero-tolerance' policy on fighting the coronavirus pandemic, with transmission rates and overall cases remaining low compared to many other developed nations.
But opposition at home grew as strict rules continued into 2022 and more contagious variants spread, leading to a spate of sometimes violent protests that sparked concerns for her personal safety.
Despite winning re-election in landslide back in 2020, Ardern has also faced a tough election campaign this year as recent polls have put the Labour Party behind their conservative rivals. Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson has confirmed that he will not put his name forward as the party's new leader.
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