Today, after almost a month of uncertainty, it was announced that 37-year-old Labour Party leader Jacinda Ardern would become New Zealandโs next Prime Minister, making her the youngest leader of the country in the 160 years.
Even more impressive than her age is the fact that Ardern unexpectedly found herself Labour leader six weeks ago when their previous leader, Andrew Little, unexpectedly quit.
Straight away she was catapulted into the middle of an election โ one her party was losing.
You might remember Ardernโs first 24 hours, as in that time she expertly shut down sexist men who asked her about plans to start a family, probing to prove her inability for the role.
Before sheโd even set up her new desk, Ardern was making headlines worldwide for her no bullshit answer โ โThat is unacceptable in 2017.โ
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The election was tight and resulted in no single-party majority. Both Ardern and National leader Bill English required the support of New Zealand First leader Winston Peters to form government.
Tonight, Peters announced his decision to back Labour.
Ardern learnt of her success the same time as other Kiwis โ as the long-awaited announcement was made on live television.
.@winstonpeters announces New Zealand First will form a coalition government with @nzlabour. MORE: https://t.co/W34Z8uTYSl pic.twitter.com/yLYomTG3Jo
โ Sky News Australia (@SkyNewsAust) October 19, 2017
The new Prime Minister told media she was โhonoured, privileged and humbledโ by the results.
โThe negotiations have been courteous, constructive and robust. Throughout, we have focused on our shared values and the policies that can take New Zealand forward,โ she said.
The news comes after a confronting week for women, and frankly, we couldnโt be more pleased with the result.
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Can all those who underestimated Jacinda please take a moment to reflect
โ lindaclark1 (@lindaclark1) October 19, 2017
What Jacinda has achieved this year is frankly astonishing โ won a by-election, became Dep Ldr, became Ldr, now to be PM. Wow.
โ Julie Fairey (@juliefairey) October 19, 2017
Welcome Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, the youngest PM in 160 years. pic.twitter.com/Sh7CV9rxyv
โ Joy Gribben (@joygribben1) October 19, 2017
I can't believe I was labelled a trait-WE HAVE A NEW FUCKING GOVERNMENT AND @jacindaardern WILL BE OUR PRIME MINISTER! LIFE IS GOOD!!!
โ Taika Waititi (@TaikaWaititi) October 19, 2017
.@jacindaardern has led @nzlabour to government with fairness at the core of their campaign. A well deserved win. Congratulations!
โ Tanya Plibersek (@tanya_plibersek) October 19, 2017
We have a female PM@jacindaardern #BestNewsEver
โ Paul Le Comte (@five15design) October 19, 2017
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Isabelle Truman is a freelance writer based out of London, UK. She specialises in fashion, lifestyle and travel and knows a thing or two (read: everything) about both Meghan Markle and 'Sex and the City'.
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