Chris Hipkins sworn in as new Prime Minister of New Zealand

Chris Hipkins sworn in as new Prime Minister of New Zealand

Hipkins was first elected to parliament in 2008 and was appointed minister for Covid-19 in November 2020. He was the minister for police, education and public service.

ANIUpdated: Wednesday, January 25, 2023, 09:29 AM IST
article-image
Chris Hipkins sworn in as new Prime Minister of New Zealand | Twitter

Wellington: Chris Hipkins, 44, has been sworn in as the 41st Prime Minister of New Zealand on Wednesday, reported New Zealand's public broadcaster RNZ.

After the formal handover of the power, Jacinda Ardern left Parliament as prime minister for the final time this morning, heading to Government House to officially tender her resignation and shift to the back benches.

Hipkins and incoming deputy prime minister Carmel Sepuloni arrived there about 11.20 am for the swearing-in ceremony, RNZ reported, adding that Hipkins has signalled tackling the "inflation pandemic" will be a top priority for his cabinet.

About Hipkins' political career

Hipkins was first elected to parliament in 2008 and was appointed minister for Covid-19 in November 2020. He was the minister for police, education and public service.

Jacinda Ardern's surprise resignation sparked a Labour Party leadership contest.The shocking decision from Ardern comes after five and a half years of tenure leading New Zealand through the coronavirus pandemic.

Ardern said she knew what the prime minister's job took and believed she "no longer had enough in the tank to do it justice" but there were colleagues who could.

She said her Government had achieved a lot and she was not standing down because she did not believe Labour could win the next election, but because she thought it could.

RECENT STORIES

US President Donald Trump Pledges Support After Texas Floods Kill 24; Hundreds Rescued, Dozens Still...

US President Donald Trump Pledges Support After Texas Floods Kill 24; Hundreds Rescued, Dozens Still...

‘Jai Shree Ram’, ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ Slogans Echo In Buenos Aires As PM Modi Gets Grand...

‘Jai Shree Ram’, ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ Slogans Echo In Buenos Aires As PM Modi Gets Grand...

PM Modi Lands In Argentina, To Hold Talks With President Javier Milei (VIDEO)

PM Modi Lands In Argentina, To Hold Talks With President Javier Milei (VIDEO)

Donald Trump Signs 'Big Beautiful Bill' Into Law On US Independence Day

Donald Trump Signs 'Big Beautiful Bill' Into Law On US Independence Day

India Proposes Retaliatory Duties Against US Over Auto Tariffs At WTO

India Proposes Retaliatory Duties Against US Over Auto Tariffs At WTO