Jacinda Ardern resigns as prime minister of New Zealand

Jacinda Ardern resigned as the prime minister of New Zealand in a shock announcement on Thursday, 19 January. The 42-year-old won't be seeking re-election later this year as she no longer has "enough in the tank to do it justice." She appeared to be fighting back tears as she broke the news to the world. "This has been the most fulfilling five and a half years of my life," she said. Ms Ardern assured the public that there is no other "real reason" for her resignation other than the fact that she is "human" and it was her time. Watch more on Independent TV: https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/new-zealand-jacindar-ardern-pm-b2265041.html Click here to subscribe to The Independent: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog: https://www.youtube.com/c/theindependent/videos Videos, daily editorial and more: http://www.theindy.com Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: https://www.independent.co.uk/newsletters Like The Independent on Facebook: https://www.fb.com/TheIndependentOnline Follow The Independent on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Independent Follow The Independent on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.independent Download the iOS & Android app: https://www.independent.co.uk/subscribe/app Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - https://www.independent.co.uk/donations Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: https://bit.ly/2MiOONB