New Zealand’s former Covid-19 response minister Chris Hipkins will replace Jacinda Ardern as Prime Minister. The Labour Party will meet tomorrow to endorse and confirm the nomination of the 44 year old Chris Hipkins as Party Leader. He will become prime minister when Ardern steps down. Political commentator has described Hipkins as ”sensible, likeable, tough and capable.”
Jacinda Ardern stunned New Zealand when she announced her abrupt exit from office after winning a second term in office with a landslide victory. The 42 year old Ardern steered the country through the Covid pandemic and its worst ever terror attack but with a tinge of sadness said that she did not have” enough in the tank” to carry on as PM.
Hipkins won appreciation for his two year stint as Covid response minister. He is said to be an outdoor person with interests in mountain biking, hiking and swimming.
