New Zealand’s Labour Party has elected a new leader/PM following Jacinda Ardern’s surprise resignation on Thursday. Reports say that Chris Hipkins – the sole nominee – was seen as the safest choice to replace Ardern in the lead-up to the country’s general election in October. The 44yo was elected to parliament in 2008 and was minister for the police, education, public service and COVID response portfolios under Ardern. He acknowledged the challenge of succeeding Ardern – including the “abhorrent” abuse his predecessor endured – and spoke about needing to get on top of NZ’s growing cost of living problems. Hipkins says becoming PM is “the biggest responsibility and the biggest privilege” of his life. His deputy will be Social Development Minister Carmel Sepuloni, who will become the first Pasifika to hold the government’s 2IC job. The changeover takes place on 7 February when Ardern and Deputy PM Grant Robertson vacate the roles.