(Reuters) – Chris Hipkins is Latest Zealand’s forty first prime minister, following the surprise resignation of the charismatic Jacinda Ardern.
Hipkins was elected by the 64 Labour lawmakers to guide the governing Labour party before being sworn in by King Charles III’s representative, Governor General Cindy Kiro.
Listed below are five facts on Hipkin’s life and profession:
– Hipkins, who grew up within the Hutt Valley north of the capital Wellington, said his “parents got here from relatively humble beginnings and worked really hard to offer a very good life” for him and his brother. He has committed to be sure Kiwis who wish to work hard are in a position to get ahead. His focus since becoming leader has been on “bread and butter issues” similar to the fee of living.
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– Hipkins was a troubleshooter in Ardern’s government and was often brought in by her when other cabinet colleagues were battling their portfolios. Prior to becoming prime minister he was each minister of education and police. Nonetheless, it was his role as first health minister and COVID-19 response minister in the course of the pandemic that made him a household name in Latest Zealand.
– Generally known as “Chippy”, the 44-year-old worked for former Prime Minister Helen Clark before being elected to parliament in 2008. Nonetheless, his political roots date back to his highschool years where he was filmed wearing a Labour Party rosette in an election documentary.
– Hipkins is understood around parliament for his sense of humour – including a capability to laugh at himself. An outside enthusiast and keen cyclist, Hipkins every now and then commutes to the capital Wellington by bicycle from his home in an adjoining city. Separated from his wife, he has two young children who he said he intends to maintain out of public life.
(Reporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Lincoln Feast.)
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