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New Zealand PM John Key resigns

by IBNS 05 Dec 2016, 07:20 am

Wellington, Dec 5 (IBNS): John Key has announced his resignation as the Prime Minister of New Zealand.

He cited family reason for taking the decision.

He has served the nation for eight years before announcing his resignation.

"For all these reasons, I today told my Cabinet and caucus colleagues of my decision to step down as Leader of the National Party and as Prime Minister," Key said in a statement.

"It is my expectation that on Monday 12 December National MPs will hold a special caucus meeting to select a new leader and later that day I will tender my resignation to the Governor-General," he said.

"This has been the hardest decision I have ever made and I do not know what I will do next. But for me this feels the right time to go," he said.

The  National Party will hold the caucus to select the next PM.

"Whoever the caucus elects will have my unwavering support, but if Bill English puts his name forward then I will vote for him," Key said.