The New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has announced her resignation after almost six years of what she described as ‘big challenges’.
Her last day in office will be on February 7 and it is understood that a general election has been called for October 14 to appoint her official replacement.
The 42-year-old stepped into the leading role in 2017, and while announcing her resignation, choked back tears and said ‘I am human’.
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Speaking at a press conference, she explained: "I know what this job takes, and I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It's that simple”.
Ms Ardern shot into the global spotlight after she adopted some of the world's strictest measures during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Her action to close all borders and enforce harsh laws meant the country had one of the lowest fatalities levels per capita.
This zero-tolerance strategy was brought to an end as vaccines became widely available, but some local critics argued that her policies were too strict.
In response to this, Ardern confirmed that a royal commission would investigate whether the government made the right decisions while trying to minimise the devastating effects of Covid-19.
Speaking on her decision to resign, she told the press conference: "I know there will be much discussion in the aftermath of this decision as to what the so-called 'real reason' was.
"I can tell you that what I am sharing today is it. The only interesting angle that you will find, is that after going on for six years of some big challenges, I am human."
She concluded her announcement by saying: "As to my time in the job, I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind, but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused.
"And that you can be your own kind of leader - one who knows when it's time to go."
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