New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made a shocking announcement she had "no more in the tank" to continue leading the country and would step down no later than early February and not seek re-election.
While fighting back tears, Ardern said it had been a difficult five and a half years as prime minister and that she needed to step down because she was only human.
"This summer, I had hoped to find a way to prepare for not just another year, but another term - because that is what this year requires. I have not been able to do that," Ardern, 42, told a news conference.
"I know there will be much discussion in the aftermath of this decision as to what the so called 'real' reason was... The only interesting angle you will find is that after going on six years of some big challenges, that I am human," she continued. "Politicians are human. We give all that we can, for as long as we can, and then it’s time. And for me, it’s time."
A general election will be held on October 14 and Ardern's tenure as leader will end no later than February 7. She declared that she thought Labour will triumph in the future election.
Political commentator Ben Thomas said Ardern's statement came as a great surprise because polls consistently showed that she was the nation's preferred prime minister, despite the fact that her party's popularity had declined from the sky-high levels recorded before the 2020 election.