Allan endorses new leader Hipkins

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

East Coast MP and Cabinet minister Kiri Allan has paid further tribute to Jacinda Ardern and publicly endorsed Chris Hipkins, who will become the country's 41th Prime Minister on Wednesday.

The Justice Minister said the outgoing Prime Minister's legacy was her commitment to building a strong team.

“Over the past 48 hours our caucus has had the opportunity to think deeply about the attributes New Zealand needs in a new leader to take us forward,” Ms Allan said.

“I am so proud to support Chris Hipkins as our leader for the New Zealand Labour Party.

“Chris is decisive and will be an incredibly strong Prime Minister,” she said.

“He is extremely competent, with a track record of delivering for New Zealand as one of our most senior ministers over the past six years.

“Our team are a deep pool of talent, unified in our values and approach, who will continue to work hard every single day to make sure the voices of all New Zealanders are heard at the decision-making table.”

Ms Allan, touted by some in the national political media as a possible candidate, did not seek the top job.