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Chris Hipkins is set to become New Zealand's prime minister
Photo: BEN MCKAY/EPA
Former New Zealand Police and Education Minister Chris Hipkins will succeed outgoing Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
The 44-year-old was formally confirmed as the successor by a Labor Party committee on Sunday, along with his future deputy Carmel Sepuloni, a representative of the Pacific Islanders.
The 64 Labor MPs also confirmed Hipkins as the new party leader with the election.
The election was considered a formality, with Hipkins the sole candidate for the post of head of state.
At a press conference in Wellington, the newly elected prime minister said he was honored and optimistic about the future: "This is the greatest privilege and responsibility of my life.
I'm full of energy and I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead." In his speech, he also thanked Ardern, who surprisingly announced her resignation on Thursday.
The 42-year-old had ruled the country since 2017.
Swearing-in is scheduled for Wednesday
Chris Hipkins is scheduled to be officially sworn in as the country's prime minister next Wednesday.
Before that, Jacinda Ardern has to offer her resignation to the representative of the English king in New Zealand, Governor General Cindy Kiro.
Only then can the governor-general officially appoint Hipkins as the new prime minister.
The 44-year-old had already made a name for himself in fighting the coronavirus pandemic and has been a member of parliament since 2008.
Ardern's successor faces a flagging economy struggling with high inflation.
The country's central bank expects New Zealand to be in recession by the time of the election.
In his speech, Hipkins emphasized that he wants to continue building the economy, creating jobs and tackling the housing crisis.
The new prime minister has also announced that he intends to restructure his cabinet.
Hipkins will assume government duties until the October 14 general election.
kko/dpa/Reuters