New pairing to lead government

Chris Hipkins has vowed Labour will be “running a ruler over all policy” after being chosen to succeed Jacinda Ardern as the party’s leader and Prime Minister.

He will be sworn into the top job on Wednesday, January 25. The Remutaka MP’s promotion comes after he was the sole nominee to replace Ardern, who announced her resignation last week.

A formal vote of Labour’s caucus on January 22 backed him for the role, and it was also announced that Carmel Sepuloni will be deputy prime minister.

At a press conference shortly after the vote, Hipkins said the economy would be a priority, mentioning the cost-of-living crisis and the economic headwinds such as high inflation and rising interest rates.

He added there would be a “policy refocus” over the coming days and that the new caucus would be “running a ruler over all policy”.

“I take on this job at a challenging time for New Zealanders,” Hipkins said. “Covid-19 and the global pandemic created a health crisis, and now it’s created an economic one – and that’s where my government’s focus will be.” 

He is expected to make an announcement on a Cabinet reshuffle after meeting with ministers this week.