New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern says she has “no regrets” about her plans to quit as leader.
This development comes after she made a decision that shocked both supporters and critics on Thursday.
The situation surrounding Ms Ardern’s decision has been a feeling of “range of emotions” from sadness to a “sense of relief”, as she admitted that she had “no more in the tank.”
The prime minister said she would not openly back any of the likely candidates to replace her as polls have suggested her party has a difficult path to re-election in October.
Ms Ardern while speaking on Friday outside an airport in Napier – where the Labour Party caucus had gathered for a retreat –said she had “slept well for the first time in a long time”.
While answering questions from reporters, she rejected suggestions by some commentators that experiences of misogyny had played a role in her decision.
Ms Ardern also advised women and girls interested in leadership position: she said, “you can have a family and be in these roles”, “you can lead in your own style”.
She also revealed that she will spend more time with her family.
Ms Arden is expected to step down February 7 while Labour Party MPs hold a leadership vote on Sunday.
