New Zealand PM: Chris Hipkins, the only candidate nominated for the position, is set to succeed Jacinda Ardern as Labour Party leader and Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Labour Party announced in a statement.

According to New Zealand’s public broadcaster, RNZ, Labour Whip Duncan Webb confirmed on Saturday that Chris Hipkins is the single nominee for Labour Party Leader. (New Zealand PM) “The Labour Party caucus will convene on Sunday at 1 p.m. to endorse the nomination and confirm Chris Hipkins as Party Leader,” stated Duncan Webb.

Hipkins was initially elected to the House of Commons in 2008 and will be appointed Minister for Covid-19 in November 2020.

He is now the police, education, and public service minister.

Jacinda Ardern’s unexpected departure triggered a Labour Party leadership election.

Jacinda Ardern’s unexpected departure triggered a Labour Party leadership election.

Ardern’s startling decision comes after leading New Zealand through the coronavirus pandemic for five and a half years.

Ardern stated that she understood what it takes to be prime minister and that she “no longer had enough in the tank to do it right,” but that there were others who could.

She stated that her administration had accomplished much and that she was stepping down not because she did not believe Labour could win the next election, but because she did.

Speaking to the media, Ardern claimed there was no specific “angle” or “true reason” why she wanted to leave, only that she was “human”.

“Mum is looking forward to seeing you when you start school next year, Neve. Let’s finally get married, Clarke.”

Nominations for the positions of leader and Prime Minister were due by 9 a.m. today (local time), according to RNZ.

The nomination required the backing of at least 10% of the caucus, or seven MPs excluding Hipkins.

It was the party’s first such vote since 2017.

Hipkins must still be formally backed by the caucus during a meeting on Sunday, according to RNZ.