New Zealand Opposition Leader Quits After Seven Weeks
Umer Jamshaid Published July 14, 2020 | 01:50 AM
Wellington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jul, 2020 ) :New Zealand's opposition leader Todd Muller quit Tuesday after just seven weeks in the role, leaving his party in disarray with an election against Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern looming in two months.
Muller made the surprise announcement in a brief early-morning statement, saying it had "become clear to me that I am not the best person to be leader of the opposition... at this critical time".
"The role has taken a heavy toll on me personally, and on my family, and this has become untenable from a health perspective," he said.
"For that reason I will be stepping down as leader effective immediately." Muller ousted his predecessor Simon Bridges as leader of the centre-right National Party on May 22 amid polls showing record backing for Ardern ahead of the September 19 election.
The 51-year-old clawed back some support for National, taking it to 38 percent against 50 for Ardern's Labour, but still trailed 13 percent to 54 in the preferred prime minister rating.
Ardern has won praise for her handling of the coronavirus pandemic, with New Zealand containing the virus and experiencing just 22 deaths in a population of five million.
The youthful leader had faced criticism from Muller after personal details of 18 active COVID-19 cases were sent to the media, but the attack backfired when it emerged last week that the leak came from a member of his own party.
Muller said he would "take some time out of the spotlight" with family and intended to remain in parliament.
His deputy Nikki Kaye is seen as a possible successor, along with the more conservative Judith Collins.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
HEC reviews curricula for environmental sciences degree programme
ICC Asia looking forward to an action-packed Asia Cricket Week
Yuvraj Singh named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
Greece hands Olympic flame to 2024 Paris Games hosts
Two Kyiv hospitals evacuating over feared Russian strikes
World must act on neurotech revolution, say experts
Charles & Catherine's cancer diagnoses
Champions Alcaraz and Sabalenka through in Madrid Open
King Charles to resume some public duties during cancer treatment: palace
US defense chief announces $6 bn in security aid for Ukraine
Heavy rains cause damage to Spezand-Taftan railway track
Woman stabbed in Israel, attacker killed: police
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
17 hours ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
17 hours ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
3 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
5 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
5 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
5 days ago
-
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
5 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
6 days ago -
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
8 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
12 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
12 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
13 days ago