Chris Hipkins, who played a major role in New Zealand’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, will replace Jacinda Ardern as prime minister after emerging on Saturday as the only candidate to lead the ruling Labor Party.
Hipkins, 44, is expected to be confirmed as leader at a meeting of 64 Labor lawmakers, or Caucus, on Sunday, replacing Ardern, who made a surprise announcement Thursday that he «had no more in the tank» to lead the country and resign.
“I think we are an incredibly strong team,” Hipkins said at a news conference after the party announced him as the only candidate.
“We have gone through this process with unity and will continue to do so. I feel very fortunate to work with such an incredible group of people who have a real commitment to serving the people of New Zealand.»
Known as «Chippy», Hipkins earned a reputation for competence in the fight against Covid-19 and was a problem solver for Ardern when other cabinet ministers were struggling.
He would not get carried away by his political plans. A cabinet reshuffle proposed by Ardern would take place, but he said he planned to keep Grant Robertson as finance minister.
Hipkins said he had spoken with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who tweeted that the two had «a warm discussion».
First elected to parliament for the Labor Party in 2008, Hipkins became a household name in the face of the government’s response to the pandemic. He was appointed health minister in July 2020 before becoming Covid response minister later in the year.
He is now minister of police, education and public service, as well as leader of the Chamber.
A Horizon Research snapshot poll obtained by local media organization Stuff on Friday showed Hipkins to be the most popular potential candidate among voters, with the support of 26% of those polled.
While Ardern was popular early in his five-year tenure, his ratings have fallen due to a backlash to tight Covid restrictions, rising costs of living and mortgage rates, and concerns about crime.
He is now minister of police, education and public service, as well as leader of the Chamber.
A Horizon Research snapshot poll obtained by local media organization Stuff on Friday showed Hipkins to be the most popular potential candidate among voters, with the support of 26% of those polled.
While Ardern was popular early in his five-year tenure, his ratings have fallen due to a backlash to tight Covid restrictions, rising costs of living and mortgage rates, and concerns about crime.