PM Jacinda Ardern announces her shock resignation at the Labour Party caucus retreat in Napier saying she 'no longer has that bit extra in the tank'. Video / Mark Mitchell
So much for a gentle start to election year. We’ve barely taken down the tinsel and PM Jacinda Ardern has catapulted us into the political hot zone by announcing her resignation.
Here’s what we know so far: Ardern will stand down on February 7, but stay on as MP ofMt Albert until April to avoid the need for a byelection. She said she’s leaving because she hasn’t got “enough left in the tank”. Labour will vote for a new leader on Sunday. Deputy PM Grant Robertson says he doesn’t want the job.
Here’s what we don’t know: what exactly does “not enough left in the tank” mean? Can Robertson be persuaded to change his mind? Did anybody apart from Ardern’s close circle have any idea this was about to happen?
Those are just my top three. You probably have questions too, which is why we asked Herald political editor Claire Trevett to swing by for a lunchtime Q&A.
Thanks for your great questions. Submissions are now closed so Claire can get back to reporting.
