Chris Hipkins has been confirmed as New Zealand‘s next Prime Minister after the ruling Labour Party backed him to succeed Jacinda Ardern.
The 44-year-old received unanimous support from Labour’s 64-member caucus at a meeting on Sunday, January 22.
Hipkins is to be officially sworn in on January 25.
Following PM Jacinda Ardern shocking resignation last week, Labour moved quickly to rally behind Hipkins and ensure a smooth leadership transition ahead of the election in October.
Political pundits believe that even though Hipkins lacks Ardern’s charisma, he is better equipped to reverse some of Labour’s unpopular policies and help the party reclaim the political middle ground.
Furthermore, as the incumbent Prime Minister, he appointed Carmel Sepuloni as his deputy prime minister, making her the first Pasifika to hold the position. She will be succeeding Grant Robertson, who is expected to remain Finance Minister.