Ardern quitting as PM

Jacinda Ardern has decided to resign as prime minister and leader of the Labour Party, with a caucus vote to elect her replacement due to take place on January 22.

Her resignation will take effect on the appointment of a new prime minister, although she will remain the MP for Mt Albert through till April in order to avoid the need for a by-election.

At the same time as Ardern’s surprise announcement on January 19, she also revealed this year’s general election will be held on Saturday, October 14.

The government’s intention is the house will rise on August 31 and Parliament will be dissolved on September 8 ahead of the election.

Ardern, pictured, said she had given her “absolute all” to being prime minister since 2017 but that the role had also taken a lot out of her. 

“You cannot and should not do the job unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unplanned and unexpected challenges that inevitably come along,” she told a press conference. 

“Having reflected over summer I know I no longer have that bit extra in the tank to do the job justice. It’s that simple. 

“The Labour team are incredibly well placed to contest the next election. They are the most experienced team in the country and have shown they have the skills necessary to respond to whatever comes their way.

“I’m not leaving because I believe we can’t win the election, but because I believe Labour can and will win it. We need a fresh set of shoulders for the challenges of both this year and the next three.”