Chris Hipkins previously oversaw the country’s Covid response (Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)
Chris Hipkins is set to replace Jacinda Ardern as leader of New Zealand.
He is expected to step into the position as the only candidate nominated for the role, the Labour Party said in a statement on Saturday.
The news comes after Ms Ardern held back tears as she announced plans to resign.
She told reporters yesterday that February 7 will be her last day in the top job, with a general election called for October 14.
‘I am entering now my sixth year in office, and for each of those years, I have given my absolute all,’ Ms Ardern said during an emotional news conference.
‘I know what this job takes, and I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It is that simple.’
Hipkins is expected to be confirmed as the new leader by a meeting of Labour’s 64 lawmakers, also known as Caucus, on Sunday.
First elected to parliament for the Labour Party in 2008, the 44-year-old became a household name fronting the government’s response to the pandemic after being appointed minister for COVID-19 in November 2020.
He is currently minister for the Police, Education, Public Service and serves as leader of the House.
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The news comes after Ms Ardern held back tears as she announced plans to resign.
