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Friday, January 20, 2023, 11:27
Candidates to replace Jacinda Ardern to start making their bids
By Reuters
Friday, January 20, 2023, 11:27 By Reuters

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addresses members of the media during a joint news conference hosted with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, following their annual Leaders' Meeting, at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices in Sydney, Australia, July 8, 2022. (LOREN ELLIOTT / FILE PHOTO / REUTERS)

WELLINGTON – Candidates to replace Jacinda Ardern as New Zealand's prime minister after her shock resignation are expected to emerge on Friday ahead of a leadership vote on Sunday.

Ardern, 42, said on Thursday she had "no more in the tank" to continue leading the country, and would step down no later than early February and not seek re-election.

Labor has been struggling in the polls. A Taxpayers Union-Curia poll released Friday using data before Ardern stepped down saw Labour’s popularity fall to 31.7 percent, down from 1.4 percent last month, while the opposition New Zealand National Party holds 37.2 percent of the vote

Chris Hipkins, a minister in her government and a top contender for the job, told news organization Newshub on Friday that he expected Labor lawmakers to reach consensus on a new candidate, but declined to say whether he planned to run.

ALSO READ: NZ's Ardern leaves legacy of kindness, disappointments

"We do have a responsibility to make sure that we're making these decisions in the best interests of New Zealanders," he said. "They will absolutely know who the next leader is going to be as those conversations finally conclude."

If a candidate is unable to secure two thirds of the available votes on Sunday, the leadership contest will go to the wider membership.

Commentators point several Ardern ministers as possible candidates for the role, including Hipkins, the former COVID minister and current Minister of Education and Police, and current Minister of Justice Kiri Allen.

Ardern told media at Napier Airport on Friday that she intended to remain neutral during the election.

"I think the most important thing is that we focus on the process, it is swift, that (it) ensures that the team is able to move quickly back to focusing on the issues that matter for New Zealanders," she said.

READ MORE: New Zealand PM Ardern says to step down next month

She added she had no regrets about her decision to step down.

The winner will become prime minister until the next general election. Ardern's term as leader will conclude no later than Feb 7 and a general election will be held on Oct 14.

Labor has been struggling in the polls. A Taxpayers Union-Curia poll released Friday using data before Ardern stepped down saw Labour’s popularity fall to 31.7 percent, down from 1.4 percent last month, while the opposition New Zealand National Party holds 37.2 percent of the vote.

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