Chris Hipkins will become the PM of New Zealand after Jacinda Ardern's decision to step down.

Sydney:

The ruling Labor Party said on Saturday that

Chris Hipkins would replace Jacinda Ardern as New Zealand's prime minister.

The 44-year-old senior politician is expected to be formally elected by Labor members of parliament on Sunday to take over as the country's 41st prime minister after Ardern announced her shock resignation on Thursday.

According to Reuters,

Chris Hipkins is currently the Minister of Police, Public Service and Education in Jacinda Ardern's government.

Earlier, his work as Minister for Response to Corona made him a household name in New Zealand.

According to the ruling Labor Party, Chris Hipkins is the only candidate for the post of Prime Minister.  

will lead a tough fight

Chris Hipkins will lead his party's uphill battle to win the general election on 14 October this year.

The party is trailing in the opinion polls.

The opposition is proving the government a failure regarding rising prices, poverty and crime rates.

"The Labor Party caucus will meet at 1pm on Sunday to endorse the nomination and confirm Chris Hipkins as party leader," said a statement from senior Labor Party member Duncan Webb.

Hipkins, as leader of the governing party, will take over as prime minister when Ardern steps down. Ardern, who has been recognized as a global figurehead for progressive politics, won a landslide election victory in her second term, but lasted less than three years. New Zealand was stunned by announcing his sudden resignation in time.

42-year-old Ardern has given New Zealand a chance to fight against natural disasters, the Kovid epidemic,

And handled and carried forward in the midst of the worst terrorist attack ever.

They said they no longer have "enough capacity".

"Slept well for the first time in a long time"

Ardern said her decision to step down was "full of sadness", but that she "slept well for the first time in a long time" after making the announcement.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said Ardern "faced hatred" that was "unprecedented in our country".

Political commentator Josie Pagani described Hipkins as "sensible, likeable, tough and capable".

There was no immediate reaction to Hipkins' victory from the country's main opposition National Party. The right-wing ACT party called for "work on the ground".

The Green Party said it looked forward to working with them to "end poverty, take bold climate action and protect our native wildlife".

Hipkins' appointment also quelled speculation that Justice Minister Kiri Allan, one of Labor's senior Māori MPs, could become the country's first Māori prime minister.

Kirrie Allen praised Hipkins as decisive and said he believed she would be "an incredibly strong prime minister".

Hipkins won over Kovid during his two-year tenure. 

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