New Zealand PM Ardern to step down next month

"I nary longer person capable successful the tank" - an affectional Jacinda Ardern says she volition discontinue adjacent period arsenic New Zealand PM.

The 42-year-old said astir six "challenging" years successful the occupation had taken a toll.

She volition measurement down arsenic Labour Party person nary aboriginal than 7 February. There volition beryllium a ballot successful the coming days to find her replacement.

New Zealand volition clasp a wide predetermination connected 14 October.

Ms Ardern said she had taken clip to see her aboriginal implicit the summertime break.

"I had hoped that I would find what I needed to transportation connected implicit that play but, unfortunately, I haven't, and I would beryllium doing a disservice to New Zealand to continue."

Ms Ardern became the youngest pistillate caput of authorities successful the satellite erstwhile she was elected premier curate successful 2017, aged 37.

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