Chris Hipkins, who played a key role in New Zealand’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. is set to replace Jacinda Ardern as prime minister after emerging as . The sole candidate to lead the ruling Labor Party on Saturday.
Hipkins, 44, is expected to be confirmed as leader at a meeting of Labour’s 64 lawmakers or caucus on Sunday. Replacing Ardern, who made a surprise announcement on . Thursday that she was “no longer in the tank” to step down to lead the country.
“we’re an strong team,” Hipkins said at a news conference after he was announced as the only candidate.
Known as “Chippy. Hipkins built a reputation for expertise in dealing with Covid-19 and was a problem . Solver for Ardern when other cabinet ministers were struggling.
He will not be attracted to his policy plan. A cabinet reshuffle proposed by Ardern will go ahead.
Hipkins said he had spoken to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who tweeted. That the two had had a “warm discussion”.
First elected to Parliament for . The Labor Party in 2008, Hipkins became a household name . Spearheading the government’s response to the pandemic. Minister of Covid Response at the end of the year.
A Horizon Research snap poll obtained by . local media organization Staff on Friday shows that . Hopkins is the most popular potential candidate among voters. With support of 26% of those surveyed.
Although Ardern was popular early in her five-year term. Her ratings have slipped in response to tougher . Covid restrictions, rising living costs and concerns about mortgage rates and crime.
He is now the Minister of Police, Education and Public Services as well as the Leader of Parliament.
A Horizon Research snap poll obtained by. local media organization Staff on Friday shows that. Hopkins is the most popular potential candidate among voters. With support of 26% of those surveyed.
Although Ardern was popular early in her five-year term. Her ratings have slipped in response to tougher . Covid restrictions, rising living costs and concerns about mortgage rates and crime.
