02:47New Zealand: 'I am human; politicians are human' - PM Ardern resigns to spend more time with family
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced during an emotional speech in Wellington on Thursday, that she is leaving office on February 7. "I no longer have enough in the tank to do the job justice," she said.
"I am 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," Ardern said.
While announcing her decision, Jacinda Ardern could barely hold back tears, saying that six years in office had taken a toll. "I am human; politicians are human," she commented.
As Ardern's boyfriend, Clarke Gayford was listening to the Prime Minister's speech, she expressed hope to be able to spend more time with her family, who she says 'have sacrificed the most'.
"I am looking forward to spending time with my family again - arguably, they are the ones that have sacrificed the most out of all of us. And so to Neve, mum is looking forward to being there when you start school this year. And to Clarke, let's finally get married," Ardern declared with a smile.
The next general election in New Zealand will be held on October 14.
02:47Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced during an emotional speech in Wellington on Thursday, that she is leaving office on February 7. "I no longer have enough in the tank to do the job justice," she said.
"I am 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," Ardern said.
While announcing her decision, Jacinda Ardern could barely hold back tears, saying that six years in office had taken a toll. "I am human; politicians are human," she commented.
As Ardern's boyfriend, Clarke Gayford was listening to the Prime Minister's speech, she expressed hope to be able to spend more time with her family, who she says 'have sacrificed the most'.
"I am looking forward to spending time with my family again - arguably, they are the ones that have sacrificed the most out of all of us. And so to Neve, mum is looking forward to being there when you start school this year. And to Clarke, let's finally get married," Ardern declared with a smile.
The next general election in New Zealand will be held on October 14.