Jacinda Ardern resigns as New Zealand PM amid UN career speculation mounts

Jacinda Ardern has silenced rumors she will be leaving for a plum role at the UN after announcing her shock resignation as New Zealand prime minister.

Ms Ardern announced in an emotional news conference on Thursday that she would step down on February 7 after five and a half years in the top job.

When asked by a reporter if she would accept a position at the United Nations, Ms Ardern said she had no other career aspirations at the moment.

“That was my whole focus, as you can see from the fact that you were unaware of (my resignation) so (the UN) wasn’t my focus,” she said.

Jacinda Ardern has hit rumors she’s considering a career move to the United Nations after announcing her shock retirement

“My focus has been on this decision to support the Labor team at this next stage.

“Beyond that, I have no plans other than spending some quality time with my family and seeing what’s next.”

She said working for the UN was “never” her goal.

Ms Ardern had attracted worldwide attention when she brought her then four-month-old baby Neve to the United Nations in September 2018.

Sky News presenter Ashleigh Gillon remarked that job vacancies for the outgoing Prime Minister were “certainly coming thick and fast”.

She fought back tears as she made the announcement Thursday in front of a horde of media unaware she was stepping down.

“I know what this job requires. And I know I don’t have enough in the tank left to do it justice,” she said.

“I would be doing a disservice to continue.”

Ms Ardern said she was looking forward to spending more time with her family

Ms Ardern hugs her fiance Clarke Gayford after announcing she is stepping down

Ms Ardern had attracted worldwide attention when she brought her then four-month-old baby Neve to the United Nations in September 2018

Ms Ardern said Labor would elect a new leader by the weekend but Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson would not run.

She was expected to announce an October 14 election date, which she did, but shocked all those who arrived by declaring her retirement from politics.

She said she left with no regrets and offered an easy way to remember.

“As someone who always tried to be friendly,” she said.

Mrs Ardern also reached out to her family; her fiance Clarke Gayford and four-year-old daughter Neve.

“Neve, Mom is looking forward to being with you when you go to school this year,” she said.

Ms Ardern hugs fellow MPs after announcing she would be stepping down from the top post

‘And to Clarke – let’s finally get married.’

Ms Ardern is stepping down at just 42 after becoming leader on 26 October 2017, just over five years ago, and was New Zealand’s youngest-ever Prime Minister and before that, in 2008 at 28, the youngest sitting MP.

She insisted her party, ahead of the upcoming election, was lagging in the polls against the rival National Party had nothing to do with her decision to step down.

“I’m not going because I believe we can’t win the election, but because I believe we can and will,” she said.

“But we need new shoulders for the challenges of this and the next three years.”

Ms Ardern has faced relentless criticism for imposing some of the world’s toughest Covid restrictions, including lockdowns that have left New Zealanders unable to even buy takeaway food and a border closure for more than two years.

But she denied that the constant attacks, which continued last year as the economy faltered and the cost of living rose, played a role in her decision.

“I don’t go because it’s hard … I know when I have enough in the tank to do it justice,” she said.