New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, has announced that she is resigning.
Her final day in office will be on 7 February – and a general election has been called for 14 October.
The 42-year-old, who became New Zealand’s prime minister in 2017, choked back tears during an emotional news conference.
“I know what this job takes, and I know that I no longer have enough in the tank to do it justice. It’s that simple,” she said.
Speaking of her decision to resign, she said: “I know there will be much discussion in the aftermath of this decision as to what the so-called ‘real reason’ was.
“I can tell you that what I am sharing today is it. The only interesting angle that you will find, is that after going on for six years of some big challenges, I am human.”
She finished by saying: “As to my time in the job, I hope I leave New Zealanders with a belief that you can be kind, but strong, empathetic but decisive, optimistic but focused.
“And that you can be your own kind of leader – one who knows when it’s time to go.”