In a political bombshell, New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced that she will stand down next month, ahead of an October general election.
She told members of her governing Labour Party that she no longer has the energy or the inspiration to continue as leader, telling them "I no longer have enough in the tank".
Mrs. Ardern steered New Zealand through Covid-19 and was widely regarded worldwide for her stewardship of the pandemic.
But her popularity has dipped over the last few months and, choking back tears she said her final day as Prime Minister will be on February 7th.
IN: "I believe that….."
OUT: "….of February".
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And Mrs. Ardern thanked the country for giving her a chance to serve as Prime Minister since 2017.
IN: "I want to finish…."
OUT: "…time to go"
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Chris Gilbert takes a look back at her time as leader
IN After nearly six
OUT no plans beyond that.
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