New Zealand's Chris Hipkins sworn in as prime minister | Inquirer News

New Zealand’s Chris Hipkins sworn in as prime minister

/ 07:13 AM January 25, 2023

Labor leader Chris Hipkins swears as New Zealand's prime minister in a formal ceremony

Chris Hipkins speaks to members of the media, after being confirmed as the only nomination to replace Jacinda Ardern as leader of the Labor Party, outside New Zealand’s parliament in Wellington, New Zealand, on January 21 2023. REUTERS/Lucy Craymer

WELLINGTON — Labor leader Chris Hipkins was sworn in as New Zealand’s prime minister in a formal ceremony on Wednesday, following the resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern last week.

The Labor party elected former COVID-19 Response and Police minister Hipkins, 44, to lead the party and the country on Sunday. This comes after the surprise resignation of Ardern, 42, who said she had “no more in the tank” to lead the country.

Article continues after this advertisement

Hundreds gathered in the grounds of Parliament as Ardern left for the final time, hugging each of her members of parliament in turn, with many looking visibly emotional.

FEATURED STORIES

READ: New Zealand chooses ‘Chippy’ Hipkins to replace charismatic Ardern

She then traveled to Government House, where she tendered her resignation to King Charles’ representative in New Zealand, Governor General Cindy Kiro.

Article continues after this advertisement

Hipkins and his deputy Carmel Sepuloni – the first person of Pacific Islander descent to hold the role – were then sworn in, in a ceremony lasting a few minutes.

Article continues after this advertisement

Hipkins, who has so far refused to comment on his policies since being elected leader, will hold his first Cabinet meeting later on Wednesday.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: New Zealand’s incoming PM Hipkins says ‘making haste’ on changes in priorities

Known as “Chippy,” Hipkins is well-known to New Zealanders for his competence in tackling COVID-19, though he acknowledged some mistakes in handling the pandemic and faces a tough battle to retain power in an October general election.

Article continues after this advertisement

A 1News-Kantar poll released in December had Labor’s support falling to 33% from 40% at the start of 2022, meaning Labor would not be able to form a majority even with traditional coalition partner the Green Party at 9%. The opposition National Party has benefited from Labor’s decline.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: New Zealand, Politics

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.