New Zealand PM Resigns

John Key has announced his resignation as prime minister of New Zealand citing family reasons.

14:27 05 December 2016

John Key has announced that he will resign as prime minister of New Zealand after serving for eight years.  

 

Mr Key, a popular leader described it as “the hardest decision I’ve ever made.” He said his job required great sacrifices "from those who are dearest to me" and that his children had coped with "an extraordinary level of intrusion".

 

"All I can say is that I gave it everything I had. I have left nothing in the tank."

 

He then denied that his wife of 36 years have given him an ultimatum. 

 

"We talked about it and she likes the concept of me being home more but there was no ultimatum."

 

Deputy Prime Minister Bill English is to take over until the National party holds a caucus to choose a new leader. 

 

Mr Key is credited with steering New Zealand through the 2008 global economic crisis and out of recession.