On Thursday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced her resignation from her role, effective February 7th, 10 months before her term was set to end.
The Labour Party leader made the announcement at the party’s annual caucus meeting while holding back tears. Ardern stated that despite previously announcing her intentions to run for a third term, she no longer had the energy to continue in the role.
She acknowledged that her role as Prime Minister comes with a great deal of responsibility and that she felt it was time to step down.
Ardern also mentioned that she wants to be present when her 4-year-old daughter, Neve, begins school next year. Additionally, she also mentioned her partner Clarke and plans to get married.
Elected in 2017 at 37 years old, Prime Minister Ardern successfully navigated New Zealand through several crises including COVID-19, a terrorist attack and a volcanic eruption. She was re-elected in 2020 and her term was set to conclude at the end of 2021.