Jacinda Ardern says no regrets over decision to step down – Saudi Gazette

Jacinda Ardern says no regrets over decision to step down – Saudi Gazette

WELLINGTON — Jacinda Ardern says she has "no regrets" about her plans to quit as New Zealand leader, after a decision that shocked both supporters and critics.

A day after revealing she had "no more in the tank", Ms Ardern said she was feeling a "range of emotions" from sadness to a "sense of relief".

Polls suggest her party has a difficult path to re-election in October.

The prime minister said she would not openly back any of the likely candidates to replace her.

Speaking on Friday outside an airport in Napier - where the Labour Party caucus had gathered for a retreat - Ms Ardern said she had "slept well for the first time in a long time".

In response to questions by reporters, she rejected suggestions by some commentators that experiences of misogyny had played a role in her decision.

Ms Ardern said she had a "message for women in leadership and girls who are considering leadership in the future" that "you can have a family and be in these roles", adding "you can lead in your own style".

On Thursday, she said she was looking forward to spending more time with her family and for being there when her daughter starts school later this