New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern to stand down 'no later than early February'
New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addresses the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Australia, July 7, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters
PUBLISHED ONJanuary 19, 2023 12:38 AM
WELLINGTON - New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will not seek re-election and plans to stand down no later than early February, she said in a televised statement on Thursday.
A general election would be held on October 14, she added.
“While I won’t be contesting the election, I know the issues that impact New Zealanders most will remain the focus of the government through this year and into the election," she said.
Ardern said she still believed New Zealand Labor would win the upcoming election.