Key said he had no immediate future plans, but planned to remain in his parliament seat long enough to avoid a by-election. “There is no way I could have served out a full fourth term,” Key said at his weekly press conference in Wellington, citing family reasons for his departure.
Key has dominated New Zealand politics for years after winning three terms as prime minister, as well as leading the ruling National Party since 2006. He said he sacrificed everything for the role, which has also come as a sacrifice for his family. According to Key, his two children had faced "an extraordinary level of intrusion and pressure because of their father's job.”
When asked if he had any regrets during his term, Key said not getting the Trans Pacific Partnership trade deal over the line was a big one.
Some of Key’s opponents and supporters have expressed their surprise at his announcement.
.@TurnbullMalcolm congratulates @johnkeypm on his time as the PM of New Zealand https://t.co/hJhe443u6H https://t.co/Jbcx7DKKUR
— Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) December 5, 2016
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
I fought every day against John's politics but always supported his right to be a dad & a husband first. I wish him and his family well.
— Metiria Turei (@metiria) December 5, 2016
The National Party committee will hold a meeting on 12 December to decide the new party leader and prime minister. Key said he would vote for his deputy and finance Minister Bill English to take over but would support whoever was elected. National elections are expected to happen in late 2017.
lagi info di : MALAYSIA TRENDING NOW
Tags:
Rojak