What Jacinda told Albo: Outgoing New Zealand PM told select few she was quitting
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese was the only world leader she informed of her shock exit from politics.
Hands in pockets, sneakers on her feet, Ardernās relief was obvious on Friday morning, a day after she shocked the world by walking away from her job as New Zealandās prime minister.
āIāll have to admit I slept well for the first time in a long time last night,ā she said at Hawkeās Bay airport, smiling broadly.
Ardern said she had no regrets about her decision, as tough as it was to reach.
āThereās still a range of emotions. I of course feel sad but also I do have a sense of relief,ā she said.
āI donāt doubt the decision.ā
World leaders have paid tribute to Ardern, who will leave the job as soon as Labour selects a successor.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese penned an opinion piece in Nine newspapers, crediting her with writing a new rule book for leadership.
āThrough the sheer power of her example, Jacinda Ardern has reminded us all that kindness and strength are not mutually exclusive. Even more importantly, she has shown that a true leader possesses both,ā he wrote.
Ardern kept her decision secret until lunchtime on Thursday but offered Albanese a heads-up prior to her announcement.
āI sent him a message before making the announcement and thatās because he is one of the leaders that I do have a close relationship with,ā she said.
āI deeply valued the work that weāve done together and the time weāve had.
āHeās become a friend and I respect him greatly. So I sent him a message. We had a quick conversation afterward yesterday and he only had roots of kindness and support.ā
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United States President Joe Biden credited Ardern with growing ties between the two countries.
āThe US-New Zealand partnership is stronger than ever thanks in large part to your leadership,ā he said.
āYour stewardship in advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific was crucial.ā
Ardern said she was taken aback by the volume and depth of support she had received.
āI actually feel deeply humbled,ā she said.
āTo have those messages of gratitude has been really moving for me and for my family.ā
As New Zealanders reel from Ardernās shock decision to quit, her Labour party is moving to replace her.
All roads appear to lead to Education and Police Minister Chris Hipkins, a close ally of Ms Ardern, but no candidates have declared for the role.
Ardernās deputy and assumed successor Grant Robertson has already ruled himself out of the race.
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