Chris Hipkins Set to Become New Zealand’s Next Prime Minister Following Jacinda Ardern’s Resignation

New Zealand is set to have a new prime minister, with Education Minister Chris Hipkins set to replace Jacinda Ardern following her shock resignation announcement earlier this week.

The Labour Party announced in a statement on Saturday morning that Hipkins was the only candidate to be nominated for the leadership of the ruling Labour party. Labour Party Whip Duncan Webb said in the statement that the Labour Party caucus will meet at 1pm on Sunday to endorse the nomination and confirm Hipkins as leader.

Ardern said Thursday that she would stand aside for a new leader, saying she doesn’t believe she has the energy to seek reelection in the October polls. Speaking at a news conference then, Ardern said her term would end by February 7, when she will formally hand over the reins to Hipkins.

The lack of other candidates indicated party lawmakers had rallied behind Hipkins to avoid a drawn-out contest and any sign of disunity following Ardern’s departure.

Ardern has been in the top role for five-and-a-half years, and her shock resignation announcement has sent shockwaves through the nation of 5 million people. Hipkins is set to take over the role of prime minister in the coming weeks, and it remains to be seen how he will lead the country.