New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is resigning.

Her final day in office will be on 7 February – and a general election has been called for 14 October.

Ms Ardern, who became New Zealand’s prime minister in 2017, said: “I believe that leading a country is the most privileged job anyone could ever have, but also one of the more challenging.

“You cannot, and should not do it, unless you have a full tank, plus a bit in reserve for those unexpected challenges.

“This summer I had hoped to find a way to prepare not just for another year, but for another term, because that is what this year requires.

“I have not been able to do that.”

Choking back tears, she continued: “And so today I’m announcing that I will not be seeking re-election, and that my term as prime minister will conclude no later than 7 February.”

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Ms Ardern added that her time in office had been “the most fulfilling five and a half years of my life”.

She said: “I know what this job takes, and I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It’s that simple.”

Ms Ardern continued: “While I won’t be contesting the (next) election, I know the issues that impact New Zealanders most will remain the focus of the government through this year and into the election.”

Ms Ardern said she still believed New Zealand Labor would win the upcoming election.

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