Chris Hipkins looks set to become New Zealand’s premier after Jacinda Ardern announced she would step down from the top job on Thursday. Hipkins, 44, who was first elected as the MP for Remutaka in 2008, previously served as Ardern’s COVID-19 Response Minister.
He is currently Minister for Police, Education and Public Service.
Mr Hipkins still needs to be formally endorsed by New Zealand’s Labour Party in the House of Representatives on Sunday.
However, he is tipped to succeed Ms Ardern after becoming the only nominee to seek leadership.
Ardern is expected to tender her resignation to the Governor-General on her February 7 deadline if Hipkins receives Labour’s backing.
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However, Kiwis are scheduled to go to the polls in October 2023.
The vote could see the National Party return to power for the first time since 2017.
New Zealand’s 7.2 percent inflation rate and increasing social inequality saw Ms Ardern’s popularity plummet to all-time lows during her final days in office.
During her resignation speech, the outgoing Prime Minister claimed she not longer has “enough in the tank” to serve as the nation’s premier.
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Hamilton West, a bellwether seat, held a snap poll last month after Gaurav Sharma resigned following his expulsion from Labour’s caucus.
The National Party’s Tama Potaka overturned Labour’s 6,267 majority to win the seat by 2,433 ballots.
However, recent surveys have also caused concern for Labour.
A Curia poll conducted for the Taxpayers’ Union indicated Christopher Luxon’s National Party has opened up a 5.5 percent lead over Labour.
Mr Hipkins’ likely appointment also removes the possibility of Justice Minister Kiri Allan becoming New Zealand’s first Maori Prime Minister.
