International Desk: Chris Hipkins is set to replace Jacinda Ardern as prime minister after becoming the only nominee on Saturday to lead the ruling Labour Party of New Zealand, reports BBC.

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Hipkins, 44, who is expected to be confirmed as the new leader at a meeting of Labour's 64 lawmakers, or Caucus, on Sunday, was first elected to parliament in 2008 and was appointed minister for Covid-19 in November 2020.

In Ms Ardern's surprise announcement on Thursday she said she did not have "enough in the tank" to lead the country and would step down.

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First elected to parliament for the Labour Party in 2008, Hipkins became a household name fronting the government's response to the pandemic. He was appointed health minister in July 2020 before becoming the COVID response minister at the end of the year.

He is now minister for police, education and public service, as well as leader of the House.

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How long Mr Hipkins will be in office is uncertain as New Zealand holds a general election in October.

Sun News/MR

Hipkins replace Jacinda Prime Minister New Zealand

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