'It's the right time' New Zealand prime minister John Key says he WILL resign
NEW Zealand’s Prime Minster John Key has announced he will resign as the country's leader.
John Key resignation
After eight years in his leading position and leader of the right-wing National Party, the 38th Prime Minister of the Australasian country said it was “the right time to leave politics”.
His resignation comes minutes after Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announced his desire to leave during a press conference after the shock referendum results.
John Key
Well done @johnkeypm for being the only PM in NZ history to have left the job on their terms, not defeated or pushed out. You deserve it.
— David Farrar (@dpfdpf) December 5, 2016
Speaking at a press conference in Wellington 12.45pm local time (2345 GMT), Mr Key said he owes it to his family to step down because they have made a lot of sacrifices for him.
He said: "Throughout these years I've given everything to this job - a job that I cherish in a country that I love.
Key's resigned minutes after Renzi announced his resignation
“All of this has come at quite some sacrifice for the people that are dearest to me, my family."
The Prime Minister has one week left in office until his resignation takes effect on 12 December.
Wow. John Key's just resigned. World leaders dropping like flies today
— Annabel Crabb (@annabelcrabb) December 5, 2016
Italian PM Renzi resigns after referendum defeat
National Party MPs will hold a meeting to select a new leader early next week.
Mr Key, regarded as one of the most popular prime ministers in New Zealand’s history, added: "My daughter Stephi and my son Max transitioned from teenagers to young adults while coping with an extraordinary amount of intrusion and pressure because of their father's job.”
Reports suggest John Key's wife pressured him to resign
"I thank them for their tolerance. Bronagh and I are immensely proud of them.
"My family has also had remarkable opportunities and experiences as we have met people and travelled from one end of the country to the other."
Andrew Little, leader of New Zealand's left-wing Labour party congraulated the outgoing prime minister.
Mr Little tweeted: "John Key has served New Zealand generously and with dedication. I wish him and his family the best for the future."
The 55-year-old prime minister said he would vote for his deputy prime minister, Bill English, if he decided to put his name forward to lead the nation.
John Key has served New Zealand generously and with dedication. I wish him and his family the best for the future.
— Andrew Little (@AndrewLittleMP) December 5, 2016
Bill English confirmed on Monday that he may run to be New Zealand’s next prime minister if he has enough support from his party.
The deputy prime minister said: “I'll be talking to caucus and family today and tonight.
"I wouldn't stand if there wasn't strong caucus support for me standing."