Who is Chris Hipkins – the next Prime Minister of New Zealand? Top mon | World news

Chris Hipkins is set to be New Zealand’s Prime Minister, the country’s Labor Party announced on Saturday. He will replace Jacinda Arden who shocked the country on Thursday with her decision to leave the post. “It’s a big day for a boy from the Hutt,” Hipkins said, referring to the Hutt Valley near Wellington where he grew up, the AP news agency reported.

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“I’m really humbled and really proud to take this on. It is the biggest responsibility and the biggest privilege of my life,” he said.

10 things to know about Chris Hipkins:

1. Chris Hipkins, New Zealand’s education minister, is the only candidate to enter the race to become the next Prime Minister.

2. Hipkins, 44, will take the role for a little more than eight months before the general election.

3. A lawmaker for 15 years, Hipkins rose to public prominence after taking on the role of crisis management during the coronavirus pandemic.

4. Apart from holding the education portfolio, Hipkins is also the minister for police and civil services, and the leader of the House.

5. They are known for various jobs, known as political issues, many times they have created problems created by their fellow legislators.

6. Many believe that Hipkins will appeal to many voters as she is more centrist than Ardern.

7. “Jacinda Ardern has been an amazing Prime Minister for New Zealand,” she said of the outgoing PM.” “He was the leader we needed at the time we needed him.”

8. Among his biggest challenges in the highest position will be convincing voters that his party is managing the economy well.

9. During the Covid-19 lockdown, your comment that people can go outside and “spread their legs” got a lot of fun online.

10. On Saturday, Hipkins told reporters that he will come back strong after the summer break, considers himself a hard worker and a straight shooter, and does not intend to lose his business sense in his new role.

(With inputs from AP)